In the quiet city of Norton, Virginia, a tragedy unfolded on April 10, 2022, shattering the peace of the community. Vivian A. Wampler, a 53-year-old woman, and her 81-year-old mother, Elizabeth A. Sturgill, were found deceased inside their home. The devastating event that claimed their lives was a double murder-suicide carried out by Vivian's husband, 53-year-old Bryan C.
Wampler.
The Norton Police Department received a 911 call from the residence shortly before noon on that fateful Sunday. Upon their arrival at the home on Highland Avenue, officers discovered the bodies of Vivian, her mother, and Bryan. The initial investigation by both the Norton Police and the Virginia State Police quickly pointed towards a murder-suicide, with evidence suggesting Bryan Wampler had fatally shot his wife and mother-in-law before turning the gun on himself. Authorities recovered the firearm believed to have been used in the killings at the scene.
Further investigation into the incident revealed a troubled history of domestic issues at the Wampler residence. Police had been called to the home on multiple occasions for domestic disturbances prior to the fatal event. Records showed that Bryan Wampler had a history of domestic violence, including a 2019 arrest for assault and battery after he allegedly threatened Vivian with a gun. He faced charges of assault on a family member and violating a protective order. Despite a judge granting a protective order for Vivian, she requested its dissolution just weeks later. Bryan was ultimately found guilty on the assault charge and two counts of violating the protective order, for which he received suspended jail time and was ordered to attend substance abuse counseling. The investigation into the double murder-suicide was a collaborative effort between the Norton Police Department, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Wise County Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Their findings confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the public, as the perpetrator had died by suicide.
