In the spring of 2022, the life of Samuel Earl 'Sam' Dickerson Jr., a 32-year-old Black male from Roanoke, Virginia, was tragically cut short. On the afternoon of Sunday, May 29th, police were called to the intersection of 13th Street NE and Baldwin Avenue NE. There, they discovered Dickerson suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of first responders, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Remembered by loved ones as a well-mannered and kind entrepreneur who cherished
spending time with his family and friends, his sudden death sent ripples of grief through the community. He was a father, and his passing left a void in the lives of those who knew him. His funeral was held on June 6, 2022, with services at Serenity Funeral Home, followed by his interment at Slate Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.
The Roanoke Police Department immediately classified Dickerson's death as a homicide and launched an investigation. However, the case has been met with challenges. No suspects were found at the scene of the shooting, and as of late 2025, no arrests have been made in connection with his murder. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information to come forward, hoping for a lead that will bring justice for Samuel Dickerson and a sense of closure to his grieving family. The lack of progress has been a source of continued sorrow and frustration for those who continue to mourn his loss.
