On April 30, 2020, Thomas Lee Watson Sr., a 70-year-old male, was found deceased in his home on School Street in Chincoteague Island, Virginia. Known as 'Big Tommy,' Watson was a commercial waterman and a skilled hunter with a deep love for the water. He was born on Chincoteague Island on February 23, 1950.
Police responded to a call about a shooting at approximately 8:15 a.m. and discovered Mr. Watson's body. The investigation into what authorities deemed a homicide quickly led to a suspect.
Following the initial investigation, the Chincoteague Police Department, with assistance from the Accomack County Sheriff's Office, arrested the victim's son, Thomas Lee Watson Jr. He was charged with second-degree murder in connection with his father's shooting death.
Thomas Lee Watson Jr. was taken into custody and held without bail at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail. In December 2021, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for the killing of his father. During the legal proceedings, it was noted that while the defendant denied intentionally ending his father's life, there was sufficient evidence to prove malice. The prosecution stated that blood and hair from the victim were found on the firearm.
