In the pre-dawn hours of July 21, 2011, Belarmino Escalante, a 27-year-old Guatemalan native and father of four, was shot and killed while waiting with co-workers for a ride near the old Godwin’s Nursery on Lankford Highway in the Nelsonia area of Accomack County, Virginia. A car pulled up and its occupants attempted to sell marijuana; when Escalante and the others refused, the encounter turned violent and a shot from the vehicle struck Escalante, killing him.

Investigators focused on two primary suspects: 18-year-old Devonte LeShawn Davis and Tyvon Smith. In August 2011 Davis was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted robbery, and firearm offenses; he later admitted being in the vehicle when the fatal shot was fired. In 2012 the first-degree murder charge against Davis was not prosecuted and he pleaded guilty to attempted robbery. Tyvon Smith was later convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 40 years in prison.

Belarmino’s death left a family and community grieving a hardworking young father taken in a sudden, violent act. If anyone knew Belarmino, his movements that morning, or saw the vehicle involved, please come forward with information.