In the quiet community of Shipman, Virginia, a tragic event unfolded, leading to the death of 48-year-old Kevin Scott Small. On April 18, 2025, Nelson County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive male at a local residence. Upon arrival, they discovered Small outside the home, having sustained a single gunshot wound to his chest.
Emergency medical personnel pronounced him deceased at the scene.
The investigation into the death of Kevin Scott Small quickly identified a suspect, 22-year-old Katelynn Ann Hipes of Augusta County. A manhunt for Hipes ensued, and the public was alerted that she was considered armed and dangerous. Felony arrest warrants were issued for second-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Investigators believed she had fled Nelson County, and they worked with other law enforcement agencies to locate her.
The search for Katelynn Ann Hipes concluded after five days when she was apprehended in Harrisonburg. Further investigation revealed a prior connection between Hipes and Small. Just days before the fatal shooting, on April 16, Hipes had been in court for an assault and battery charge, of which she was found not guilty. On that same day, Small had unsuccessfully sought a protective order against her. Two days later, Small was found dead. An eyewitness, the victim's grandfather, reportedly identified Hipes as the individual who shot Small while he was on a tractor outside his home. Following her arrest, Hipes was taken into custody without incident.
