On a summer day in Ruckersville, Virginia, the life of 54-year-old Dwight W. Roach, a White male, was tragically cut short. On August 10, 2022, deputies from the Greene County Sheriff's Office responded to a 911 call reporting a shooting. Upon their arrival, they discovered Roach had died from a single gunshot wound in what was quickly determined to be a homicide.
Known as a hardworking tile and floor installer who enjoyed cooking for his loved ones, his sudden death sent ripples of grief through his family and the community.
The investigation into Roach's murder led to the swift arrests of two individuals. Daniel Emmett Roberts, 32, of Orange County, and Allen Michael Shifflett, 28, of Charlottesville, were both charged with second-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. When Roberts was apprehended, he was found in possession of significant quantities of methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl, as well as two firearms, adding a layer of drug-related crime to the tragic event.
As the case progressed, a third individual, 38-year-old Ashlee Renee Morris of Orange County, was also implicated and charged in connection with the murder. All three suspects ultimately pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Allen Michael Shifflett, identified by the Greene County Commonwealth's Attorney as the 'trigger man' who entered Roach's home and fired the fatal shot, was sentenced to 40 years in prison with 20 years suspended, resulting in an active sentence of 22 years. Daniel Emmett Roberts and Ashlee Renee Morris were also convicted of related crimes and awaited their sentencing in early 2024.
