John Anthony Able, a 48-year-old male from Butler, Tennessee, died on May 17, 2017. His death was linked to a double-murder case in Chilhowie, Virginia, where he was identified as the suspect. Able was found dead from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Johnson County, Tennessee. He was considered armed and dangerous at the time of his death.
Authorities in Virginia had charged Able with two counts of first-degree murder, two counts of using a firearm during the commission of a
felony, and two counts of robbery. The victims, Jerry Wayne Hargrove, 50, and Debora Kay Hargrove, 58, were found dead in their home in Chilhowie, Virginia, with multiple weapons found at the scene. The investigation revealed that the couple died from gunshot wounds to the upper torso, and the home was in disarray.
The motive for the murders was not immediately determined by investigators. However, it was noted that Able was the brother of Debora Hargrove, suggesting a possible family-related motive. The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Washington County Sheriff's Office, Virginia State Police, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
No additional suspects were identified in connection with the murders, and the case remained focused on Able as the primary suspect. The investigation concluded with Able's death, leaving many questions unanswered about the circumstances leading to the tragic events.
