Monday, July 14, 2003

Domestic Dispute Turns Deadly

No charges have been filed against an 18-year-old Alton man who shot and killed his father in what investigators describe as self-defense following a domestic dispute Friday night, Halifax County Sheriff D.J. Oakes said Sunday.

Ricky Shelton Morris, 45, died Friday from what investigators believe was a shotgun wound to the head inflicted by his son, Paul Wayne Morris.
"We have discussed it with the Commonwealth's Attorney and, pending further investigation, it appears to be a clear case of self-defense," Oakes said yesterday.

Deputies from the sheriff's office and members of the Virginia State Police were called at approximately 10:40 p.m. to a residence on Story's Creek Road in Alton with reports of a domestic shooting, the sheriff said.

"The first units on the scene found the victim lying on the floor of an interior room of the home," he said. "Morris is believed to have died instantly from an apparent shotgun wound to the head."

Interviewed at the scene, family members told investigators that Ricky Morris had been drinking "very heavily" that evening and had become verbally abusive and physically violent.

"Morris is alleged to have struck his wife in the face and threatened his two children with a .380 caliber semi-automatic handgun," Oakes said.

The sheriff said that Paul Morris is alleged to have shot his father in self defense as the elder Morris raised his weapon.

Oakes said that "out of an abundance of caution," the case will likely be presented to a grand jury within the next few months.

Investigators with the sheriff's office were assisted by Trooper S.L. Noblin in securing the crime scene and special agents with the Virginia State Police assisted in the investigation.

Oakes said Investigators S.A. Jennings, A.D. Tribble and J.D. Clay have been assigned to the case from the sheriff's office.

Nearly 3,000 Turn Out For Annual Cantaloupe Festival
Weather Cooperates For This Year’s Event

Temperatures hovered in the mid 80s as nearly 3,000 festival-goers turned out to eat locally-grown cantaloupe and listen to the sounds of Phat Albert, Backstreet and the Band of Oz during the 23rd Annual Virginia Cantaloupe Festival at Halifax County Fairgrounds.

"It doesn't get any better than this," said one man as he munched on his cantaloupe.

Phat Albert opened the musical entertainment with a delicious blend of funk, rock and roll and party favorites.

"We're out here to make sure everyone has a good time," the singer told the crowd.

It seemed that everyone took him at his word, because by 7 p.m. the grounds in front of the stage were a mass of undulating, smiling and shagging dancers.
Phat Albert was followed by Backstreet, a Danville-based group who thrilled the crowd with contemporary party favorites.

A nationally-known beach music band, the Band of Oz, closed the show in the fairground's ampitheater.

There wasn't a clear spot on the dance floor as hundreds crowded around the band to dance to beach favorites.

In addition to Southside's famous cantaloupe, the crowd enjoyed Brunswick stew, barbecue, fruit cups, corn on the cob and tomato biscuits.

"This has to be the best stew I've ever had," one out-of-town resident said to no one in particular as he walked through the crowd.

"Welcome to Halifax County," a passer-by responded with a smile.

But the real hit with the crowd was the freshly-cut cantaloupe halves served with vanilla ice cream in the center.

The locally-grown melons were provided by Reese Farms, Tommy Hudson, Hilton Hudson and Anthony Powell. Cole Berry Farm provided berries for the fruit cups.

Nancy Pool, one of the festival's organizers, said the this year's festival was close to being a sellout.

"It was a wonderful event. We couldn't have been more fortunate with the weather," she said yesterday. "Everyone seemed to have a marvelous time."
Pool said the event went off without a hitch.

"All in all, it went extremely well and we are very pleased with the turnout," Pool added.

Several local politicians were on hand at the festival, passing out campaign literature and chatting with members of the crowd.

Hargrove Arrested For N.C. Murder
Is Charged In Murder Of Former County Resident

One of two Virginia men wanted for questioning in connection with the Durham, N.C., murder of a Halifax County woman was arrested in Norfolk last Wednesday in the midst of a court-ordered anger man-agement program, according to the Durham Police Department.

Virginia Beach resident Brian Keith Hargrove, 29, was wanted by Durham police for questioning concerning a June 25 multiple shooting that left a 23-year-old woman dead, and a two-year-old child, a 14-year-old girl and a 22-year-old woman in critical condition.

According to police reports, Brian Hargrove's cousin, Dennis Lamonte Hargrove, 27, of Clarksville, allegedly entered a residence at 110 E. Markham Ave. in Durham at approximately 11:05 p.m. on June 25 and "maliciously shot and murdered Ms. Collette Moss."

Before leaving the residence that night, Dennis Hargrove allegedly shot the other individuals, who remain in critical condition at the Duke hospital, officials said.

Immediately after the shootings, Durham police began searching for the two men, and contacted several law enforcement agencies in Virginia believing that the wanted men could be in the Danville, Virginia Beach, South Boston or Richmond areas.

Because of Dennis Hargrove's connection to the Clarksville area, local officials have been involved in the investigation from the start - and that involvement ultimately led to Wednesday night's arrest of Brian Hargrove.

Clarksville Police Chief Ricky Wilkinson said that Southside Drug Task Force Officer Paul Hawkins received information concerning the whereabouts of Brian Hargrove at approximately 5 p.m. Wednesday.

Hawkins, Wilkinson said, immediately sent the information to Durham law enforcement officers, who then contacted the Norfolk City Police Department.

At approximately 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, the Norfolk Police Department SWAT Team arrested Brian Hargrove while he was attending an anger management class, officials said.

That anger management program was part of a sentence issued to him following a December 2002 conviction of a domestic violence charge, officials said.

Although initially wanted just for questioning, Brian Hargrove was charged by the Durham police with murder in connection with the shootings, officials said.
Following his arrest in Norfolk, he was transported back to Durham where he remains in custody.

With the arrest, law enforcement agencies are now focusing their attention on the search for Dennis Hargrove, who has been charged with one count of murder and three counts of assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury with intent to kill, officials said.

He is also wanted in Virginia on outstanding warrants for malicious wounding and a drug charge, authorities said.

Dennis Hargrove is also known as Chuck Hargrove, Dennis Venable and Chuckie Venable. He is described as being 6 feet in height and 180 pounds.

Anyone who knows the location of Dennis Hargrove or has information about the case is advised to call 911 or Durham CrimeStoppers at (919) 683-1200.

Virginia residents may call those numbers, their local law enforcement agency, or Crimestoppers at 476-TIPS.

Obituaries

Weldon Drumwright Sr.

Weldon Drumwright Sr. of Baltimore, Md., formerly of Halifax County, died July 9 in Baltimore.

Mr. Drumwright is survived by his wife, Geneva Drumwright; two daughters, Mary Owen and Clarissa Rogers, both of Va.; two sons, Weldon Drumwright Jr. and Floyd Drumwright, both of Md.; and one sister, Estelle Harris of Va.

Funeral services for Mr. Drumwright will be held today, July 14 at 11:30 a.m. at Lukes United Methodist Church in Baltimore.


Hallie Richardson Glass

Hallie Richardson Glass, 94, of 3125 Birch-Elmo Road, South Boston died July 11 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Glass was born in Halifax County on March 17, 1909, the daughter of the late Fountain Richardson and Addie Huntley Richardson and was married to the late William Henry Glass. She was a member of Mountain Grove Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include six daughters, Hazel Glass, Fannie Stephens and Marie Crews, all of South Boston, Mildred Wood of Danville, Hattie Womack of Blairs and Anna Palmer of St. Petersburg, Fla.; three sons, William Glass of South Boston, Luther Glass of Vernon Hill, and James Williams of Springfield Garden, N.Y.; 73 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mrs. Richardson will be held today, July 14 at 1 p.m. at Mountain Grove Missionary Baptist Church with the Rev. Arthur Crews officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends at the home.


Ricky S. Morris Sr.

Memorial services for Ricky Shelton Morris Sr. will be held Monday at 2 p.m. in the Watkins Cooper Lyon Chapel in Clarksville.

The Rev. David Cline, associate pastor of Grace Baptist Church, will officiate.
Mr. Morris, 45, died Friday, July 11, at his residence.

A Halifax County native, he was the son of the late Clarence Shelton and Thelma Overby Morris.

He is survived by his wife, Wanda Seate Morris, a daughter, Virginia Nicole Morris, and sons Ricky Shelton Morris Jr., Paul Wayne Morris and James Lewis Morris, all of Alton.

Other survivors include two sisters, Judy Overbey of Virgilina and Diane Lane of Oxford, N.C., brothers Clarence Morris Jr. of South Boston and James Edward Morris of Virgilina.

Joyce Potts Price

Joyce Potts Price, 70, of 1155 Stagecoach Road, Nathalie died July 11 at Halifax Regional Hospital.

Mrs. Price was born in Burks County, Pa. on January 12, 1933, the daughter of the late Edward Potts and Daisy Angstadt Potts. She was twice married, first to the late Ernest Lane and secondly to the late Ray Price. She was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include six sons, Brian Dreisbach and Craig Dreisbach, both of Reading, Pa., Keith Dreisbach of Rock Hall, Md., David Lane and Ronald Lane, both of Richmond, and Daniel Lane of Nathalie; two daughters, Susan Dreisbach of Waynesboro and Cindy Beadles of Brookneal; 15 grandchildren; and 22 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service for Mrs. Price was held at 2 p.m. July 13 at Wickliffe Cemetery, Brookneal, by the Rev. Elton McDowell.


Magdalene Wilkins Reese

Magdalene Wilkins Reese, 86, of South Boston died May 30 at Duke Hospital. She lived at Boston Commons and was a member of Union United Church of Christ in Virgilina.

Mrs. Reese was born and reared in Williamson, WVa. and was the daughter of the late Jack and Helen McGonnell Wilkins. She was preceded in death by her husband, William A. Reese Jr.

A graveside service will be held July 17 at 11 a.m. at Virgilina Cemetery in Virgilina.

Mrs. Reese is survived by three nephews, Charles Thomas Wayt of Las Vegas, Nev., Harold E. ‘Pete’ Wayt of Jacksonville, Fla., and William R. Wilkins of Virgilina; one niece, Mary Helen Wilkins Gravitt, also of Virgilina. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Jerome, Edward and Cecil Wilkins; and one sister, Katherine Wayt.

Friends will be received from 12-9 p.m. July 16 at the home of Mary Helen Gravitt, 1021 Seventh Street, Virgilina.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Virgilina Woman’s Club Cemetery Fund, c/o Mary Helen Gravitt or Virginia B. Bailey, P.O. Box 206, Virgilina, 24598.


Cecelia Watts Wilmoth

Graveside services for Mrs. Cecelia Watts Wilmoth will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 15, at the Fork Baptist Church Cemetery.

The Rev. Jason Murray will officiate.

Mrs. Wilmoth died Sunday, July 13 at Halifax Regional Hospital.
She was 86.

Mrs. Wilmoth was born in Halifax County on May 10, 1917 to the late James Richard Watts and the late Bertha Vaughan Watts.

Married to the late Freddie W. Wilmoth, Mrs. Wilmoth was a homemaker and a member of the Fork Baptist Church.

Survivors include two daughters, LaVerne W. Gravitt of South Boston and Edith W. Brockwell and husband Cliff of Lawrenceville, Virginia, one son, Freddie W. Wilmoth Jr. of Scottsburg, one sister, Bertha Davis of Richmond, one brother, Harvey Watts of South Boston, eight grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by nine brothers and sisters.

Those wishing to make memorials please consider Fork Baptist Church.

American, National Ponytails All-Stars
On Collision Course
At State Tournament Here

By DOUG FORD | G-V Staff Writer

The Halifax American and Halifax National Ponytails softball all-stars were on a collision course in the Virginia Dixie Ponytails State Tournament after Friday, Saturday and Sunday wins at Mary Bethune Field.

The two teams met Sunday night, with the winner emerging in the driver's seat as the only undefeated team left in the tourney.

Hal. Amer. 9, Brunswick 0
(Saturday)
Stephanie Clark collected three singles and an RBI, and Kim Snead and Jessica Weingarten each had two hits and two RBI's as Halifax recorded a 9-0 win over Brunswick.

Whitney Womack, Christine DeGeorgis and Snead pitched two innings each, collecting a total of six strikeouts, and limited Brunswick to one hit, a fifth-inning single.

Clark got Halifax American off to a good start with a leadoff single in the first inning.

Lashunda Davis' groundout to the right side advanced Clark to third and she scored on Snead's single.

Snead stole second and Womack was hit by a pitch to put two runners on, before Weingarten's hit scored Snead.

Ashley Adkins then hit an RBI groundout for a 3-0 lead.

Halifax American scored four runs in the bottom of the second to take a 7-0 lead.

Kelsey Burnette walked and advanced to third on a groundout, before Davis drew a walk and stole second.

Snead's single scored Burnette, and Davis went to third, before Womack hit a hard shot past the second baseman to score Snead and Davis.

Womack stole third and scored on Weingarten's single for a 7-0 lead.

Halifax added single runs in the third and fifth innings for the final margin.

In the third inning, DeGeorgis was hit by a pitch, stole second and scored on a Clark single.

Brittany Wilkerson was hit by a pitch to start the bottom of the fifth inning, went to third on singles by Clark and Davis, and scored after a Brunswick throwing error for Halifax American's final run.

Hal. National 10, Amherst Amer. 8 (Sat./Sun.)
Halifax National outlasted Amherst American 10-8 Sunday, in a game continued from Saturday night due to rain.

Lauren Daniel collected four RBI's for the game, and Betty Rose knocked in three runs, while Sharilyn Walton added an RBI.

Heather Hudson and Paige Rickman had the other hits for Halifax National.
Halifax National scored two runs in the second and three runs in the top of the third inning Saturday night to take a 5-0 lead before heavy rains delayed the game until Sunday afternoon.

Rickman started the second inning with a single, and Rose lay down a sacrifice bunt that was thrown away into right field, scoring Rickman, Rose going to third on the play.

Daniel hit a ground ball that was mishandled, as Rose scored for a 2-0 lead.
Halifax National added three more runs in the third inning, before play was halted.

With two out in the top of the third, Hudson singled and Rickman walked, with Hudson stealing third.

Rose hit a hard shot that was mishandled by the Amherst shortstop, Hudson and Rickman scoring for a 4-0 lead.

Daniel followed with a line drive that went through the legs of the Amherst center fielder and to the wall, scoring Rose with the final run of the inning.
Amherst rallied to get back into the game Sunday afternoon, using three walks, two hits and two hit batsmen to score four runs in the bottom of the third inning.

Halifax National recovered to score five runs in the top of the fifth inning for a presumably safe 10-4 lead.

Erica Wilson walked to open the inning, went to second and with one out, Walton hit an RBI single.

Moorefield reached on an error, Hudson singled, and Rickman and Rose drew walks, before Daniel hit a two-RBI single.

After a scoreless fifth inning, Amherst rallied with four runs in the bottom of the sixth, using a single, walk, and four Halifax errors, but a strikeout ended the threat and the game.

Halifax National used four pitchers in the game, with Daniel, Rickman, Lawter and Hudson sharing time on the mound.

Hal. Amer. 5, Bedford Nat. 2
(Friday)
Davis went 3-3 with two RBI's and Snead added another RBI, as Halifax American rallied from an early deficit to win its opener.

Bedford's leadoff batter singled, stole second, advanced to third and scored on another hit to give them an early 1-0 lead, before Halifax took the lead for good in their turn at-bat.

Consecutive singles by Clark, Davis and Snead loaded the bases with none out.

After a strikeout, Womack walked and Clark scored for the first run, and, after another strikeout, Stewart walked to score Davis for a 2-1 lead.

Two Davis triples, one in the second and another in the fourth inning, produced two of three runs to offset a single Bedford run in the third inning.

Clark scored on Davis' triple in the second for a 3-1 Halifax lead, and Snead's RBI groundout scored Davis for a 4-1 advantage.

Bedford used a leadoff walk, a groundout and double to cut the lead to 4-2 in the top of the third, before Davis' triple scored Adkins in the fourth inning for the final 5-2 margin.

Stewart pitched the first two innings, holding Bedford to one run on two hits, before Clark took over for the final four innings, allowing one run on one hit.
Halifax American collected 10 hits for the game, Davis with three, Clark with two, and Snead, Stewart, Crowder, Adkins and Womack with one each.

Hal. Nat. 9, Patrick Co. 3
(Friday)
Paige Rickman smacked three triples and Kaitlyn Moorefield pitched a complete game two-hitter, as Halifax National overcame an early two-run deficit to defeat Patrick County 9-3.

Patrick County used a bunt single, a hit batsman and three Halifax National errors to take a 2-0 lead in the first inning, before Rickman's first triple in the top of the second scored Megan Day to cut the advantage to 2-1.

Another bunt single, followed by a wild pitch, and two more Halifax errors gave Patrick County a 3-1 lead after two innings, but a key strikeout and key defensive play changed the momentum of the game in Halifax National's favor in the bottom of the third.

Two Halifax errors and a wild pitch put Patrick County runners at second and third with one out before a big Moorefield strikeout.

The runner at third attempted to score on an infield grounder, but catcher Rose blocked the plate and got a perfect throw to nail at the runner for the third out.

Halifax took the lead for good with two runs in the top of the fourth inning.
Leadoff hitter Katie Barnette reached first base, attempted to steal and went to third as the throw to second sailed into the outfield.

Rose hit a ball that was mishandled by Patrick County, scoring Barnette to cut the margin to 3-2.

After a Rose steal of second, Rickman hit her second triple of the game to score Rose and tie the contest at 3-3.

Lyndsey Lawter then hit an RBI single to score Rickman for the go-ahead run.
Moorefield and the Halifax National defense retired Patrick County in order the next two innings, before breaking the game open in the top of the sixth.

Rose walked, stole second and scored on Rickman's third triple of the game.
With one out, Moorefield walked and Lawter reached on an error to put runners at the corners, before an errant throw on Lawter's steal attempt sailed into center field, scoring Moorefield.

Walton singled and stole second before Hudson stroked a two-run triple to score Lawter and Walton.

Daniel completed the rally with an RBI single for the final run of the game.