On a crisp November evening in 2019, the life of Justin Andrew Samuels, a 43-year-old U.S. Army veteran and general contractor, was tragically cut short in Amherst, Virginia. The fatal incident, which occurred on November 16, unfolded at his own home, leaving a community in shock and a family devastated. Samuels, a man described as someone who made friends wherever he went and was always willing to help others, was shot and killed by a young man he had taken under his wing.
The
perpetrator was identified as 18-year-old Carson Grey Candler, a neighbor whom Samuels had treated like a son. Earlier that day, the two had been on a hunting trip, and later attended an oyster roast with friends. Accounts from that evening suggest that Candler began exhibiting 'outrageous' behavior and was asked to leave the gathering. Samuels and another friend, Blakeman 'Bru' Norconk, drove Candler back to his residence and, concerned by his behavior, kept a pistol from him. This action reportedly angered Candler.
What followed was a sudden and violent turn of events. After being dropped off, Candler went inside his home, found another handgun, and came back outside, where he opened fire on Samuels and Norconk. Samuels was struck by three gunshots and died from his injuries. His wife, Christine Samuels, witnessed the horrific event and made a frantic call to 911. Norconk was also severely wounded in the shooting, sustaining permanent nerve damage.
In the subsequent legal proceedings, Carson Grey Candler pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the death of Justin Samuels and aggravated malicious wounding for the injuries inflicted on Blakeman Norconk. Testimony revealed that Candler was a troubled teen dealing with mental health issues. In February 2022, a judge sentenced Candler to 25 years in prison for his crimes. The case left a lasting scar on the Amherst community, a tragic end to a relationship that had once been described as being like that of a father and son.
