William Jason Roberts, a 41-year-old white male and retired United States Marine, tragically lost his life on the evening of June 25, 2024, in Axton, Virginia. The scene that unfolded on River Ridge Road was one of devastating violence, leaving two people dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Responding to a 911 call at approximately 9:30 p.m., deputies from the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office discovered the bodies of William Jason Roberts and his 39-year-old wife, Ashley Marie Roberts, outside a residence. Both were pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect in the double homicide was apprehended at the residence without incident. He was identified as 65-year-old William Lester Roberts, the father of William Jason Roberts. The elder Roberts was taken into custody and subsequently faced serious charges for the deaths of his son and daughter-in-law, who were visiting from their home in Roanoke.
Initially, William Lester Roberts was charged with two counts of second-degree murder, two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and one count of discharging a firearm within a dwelling. He was held without bond at the Pittsylvania County Jail. Following a jury deliberation, he was found guilty on all charges, which were upgraded to two counts of aggravated murder.
During the sentencing phase, William Lester Roberts addressed the court for over an hour, maintaining that the shootings were an act of self-defense. However, the judge ultimately upheld the jury's recommendation. William Lester Roberts was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional nine years for the murder of his son and daughter-in-law.
