In the early morning hours of May 9, 2025, the life of Hunter Kendrick Orlando, a 27-year-old White male from Roanoke, Virginia, was tragically cut short. His body was discovered on a sidewalk near the intersection of Jamison Avenue and 13th Street in Southeast Roanoke, following reports of an argument and gunshots in the area. When Roanoke Police arrived at approximately 4:09 a.m., they found Orlando with fatal gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into
the shooting also revealed another man who had been injured during the same incident. This individual was located at Fallon Park, not far from the initial scene, suffering from non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Authorities believe his injuries were sustained during the altercation that led to Orlando's death. The Roanoke Police Department promptly began a homicide investigation to piece together the events of that fatal morning.
Investigators quickly identified 38-year-old Thomas Dewayne Delp as a suspect in the killing. A warrant for his arrest on the charge of second-degree murder was issued as law enforcement began a search for him. The community's assistance was sought in locating Delp, and their cooperation was later acknowledged by the police department.
Just two days after the shooting, on May 11, 2025, the Roanoke Police Department confirmed that Thomas Dewayne Delp had been located and taken into custody. With the suspect apprehended, the department assured the public that there was no longer an ongoing threat to the community related to this case. While the arrest was made, the investigation into the motive and the full circumstances surrounding the shooting that ended Hunter Kendrick Orlando's life continues.
