Tag Archive

Former deputy sentenced to life for ex-wife’s murder

ROANOKE – A former Franklin County deputy accused of killing his ex-wife who lived in Salem will serve life in prison, plus three years, for her murder. Today, Jan. 11, Jonathan Agee pleaded “no contest” to the charge of fatally shooting Jennifer Agee as she sat in a vehicle with her daughter on Memorial... »

Literary great graces the silver screen

“The Raven,” directed by: James McTeigue (V for Vendetta), written by: Ben Livingston, Hannah Shakespeare, released April 27. A nod to the macabre, “The Raven” is not truly historically accurate, nor as over the top as Edgar Allan Poe actually was, but as an adoration, a glimpse back at 1849, an attempt to entertain... »

Easley sentenced to life in prison with no parole for Tina Smith’s murder

GLENVAR  – Tina Smith can rest in peace now. The man who stole her heart – and then her life – will be in prison for the rest of his years. More than a year and two months after the 41-year-old Glenvar mother was found murdered in the house she shared with boyfriend Jeffrey... »

Easley pleads to Tina Smith murder, sentenced to life without parole

SALEM, VA – One year and two months after Roanoke County mother Tina Smith was found dead in the house she shared with her boyfriend Jeffrey Easley and her preteen daughter, Easley unexpectedly agreed to a plea and will be sentenced to life in prison without parole. Easley appeared in Roanoke County Circuit Court... »

The Year in Review in Salem

SALEM – Top newsworthy stories in 2011 that captured readers’ attention range from court procedures in the case of abducted 12-year-old Brittany Smith and her murdered mother, to searing heat and the happy announcement for Chick-fil-A lovers that the restaurant was breaking ground in Salem Here is the month-by-month recap of what happened in... »

Murder suspect’s attorneys want to travel to California to boost his defense

SALEM – Appointed attorneys for Jeff Easley, who is accused of killing Fort Lewis-area mother Tina Smith and absconding with her 12-year-old daughter to San Francisco almost a year ago, asked a Roanoke County judge today to approve a four-day trip to California. They are hoping to interview potential witnesses while there, review statements... »

$20-million suit filed against Franklin sheriff

ROANOKE – A $20-million suit was filed this morning on behalf of the estate of murdered mother Jennifer Agee, against the sheriff of Franklin County and his former deputy, Agee’s estranged husband, who is accused of killing her. Jennifer Agee lived in Salem when she was shot to death on May 30. She worked... »

Rescuer travels across country to meet kidnapped girl

SOUTH BOSTON, VA – Theresa Shanley, the woman responsible for the safe return of 13-year-old Brittany Smith to her family in South Boston last December, had an opportunity to meet the teenager during a weekend visit to that community. According to the Rev. John Eure, pastor of Ash Avenue Baptist Church, the San Francisco... »

Stabbing defendant says was self defense

ROANOKE COUNTY – “There was blood going everywhere.” That was part of the tearful testimony today by the girlfriend of a Roanoke County man who is on trial for stabbing his neighbor in the chest after the two men had been drinking heavily all day. As the second-degree murder trial moved through its third... »

Murder trial postponed

SALEM – Wearing a full beard and a yellow jumpsuit from the Western Virginia Regional Jail, Jeff Easley appeared for the first time in Roanoke County Circuit Court this afternoon when a capital defense attorney was appointed for him. Easley, 33, is now charged with capital murder of 42-year-old Tina Smith, his former girlfriend,... »