In the quiet community of Berryville, Virginia, a tragedy unfolded that left residents in shock and mourning. Susan Lynn Hallman, a 58-year-old White woman, lost her life on January 27, 2025, in a violent incident that also claimed the life of another. Born on June 28, 1966, in Winchester, Virginia, Susan was a cherished member of the community, known for her warmth and kindness. She had spent most of her life in Clarke County, where she attended Clarke County High School.
Professionally, she was a dedicated Quality Control Analyst for WSP, a contractor for FEMA. Above all, Susan was a devoted mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in her family.
The horrifying events that led to Susan Hallman's death began to come to light when firefighters responded to a house fire on Parshall Road in Clarke County. Amidst the chaos of the blaze, a grim discovery was made. One body was found in the yard, and as emergency crews worked to control the fire, a second victim was located inside the burning home. Authorities would later identify the two women as Susan Hallman and 73-year-old Peggy White. The investigation took a more complex turn when deputies found a third individual on the porch of a nearby home with a rifle shell casing found close by.
As the investigation progressed, the Clarke County Sheriff's Office began to piece together the sequence of events, treating the case as a double homicide-suicide. It was determined that both Susan Hallman and Peggy White had died from single gunshot wounds. While the third individual, a male, has yet to be officially identified due to the condition of the body, authorities have publicly named an ex-husband as a suspect in the double homicide. The community has been left to grapple with the senseless loss of two of its members, remembering Susan Hallman for the love she had for her family and the kindness she extended to all who knew her. The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to work towards bringing a full understanding to this tragic event.
