Robert William Staton

In the summer of 2022, a tragedy befell the community of Rustburg, Virginia, with the death of Robert William Staton, a 33-year-old male. On the afternoon of July 5th, his body was discovered in the parking lot of the First St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. He had sustained a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Friends and family remembered Staton as a kind-hearted and generous person, often described as a 'big guy with an even bigger heart,' who was always ready to lend a helping hand.

The Campbell County Sheriff's Office launched a homicide investigation into the shooting. Their efforts led them to a suspect, Michael Anthony Cerillo, a man from Lexington, North Carolina. An extensive investigation resulted in charges being filed against the 52-year-old Cerillo just two days after Staton's death. He was apprehended at his residence in North Carolina without incident and was subsequently extradited to Virginia to face the charges.

The charges brought against Michael Cerillo included second-degree murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. During the court proceedings, it was revealed that the motive behind the violent act was Cerillo's belief that Staton had stolen a large quantity of marijuana from him. The prosecution argued that Cerillo chose to handle the dispute 'like a street thug' by shooting Staton in the face.

In March 2024, Michael Anthony Cerillo was sentenced for his crimes. He received a 27-year prison sentence for the second-degree murder of Robert William Staton, as well as for the firearms charges. The conclusion of the legal proceedings brought a measure of closure to Staton's grieving family, who had been deeply affected by the violent and senseless nature of his death. The case left a lasting impact on the community, highlighting the devastating consequences of violence.