In the quiet town of Gretna, Virginia, the evening of Sunday, September 14, 2025, was shattered by a call to the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office. Deputies responded to a residence on Derby Road, where they discovered the body of 64-year-old Cynthia 'Cindy' Cline Rowland. She was found with what appeared to be a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Initially, the 911 call reported a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
However, as investigators delved into the circumstances surrounding Cynthia's death, their focus shifted. The investigation soon led to the arrest of her 66-year-old husband, Lonnie Rowland. He was taken into custody shortly after deputies arrived at the home.
Lonnie Rowland has been charged with first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was arraigned the following Monday in Pittsylvania County General District Court and is being held without bond. Cynthia's body was transported to the medical examiner's office in Roanoke for an autopsy to officially determine the cause and manner of death.
The investigation into the death of Cynthia Rowland is ongoing, and a motive has not yet been released. Neighbors of the couple have offered conflicting reports, with some describing them as a happy couple, while others alleged that Lonnie Rowland was dishonest and dangerous. He is scheduled to appear in court again in October.
