On a cold evening in Roanoke, Virginia, the life of a vibrant young woman was tragically extinguished. Asia Denay Wade, a 28-year-old culinary arts student, was found with a gunshot wound, lying unconscious in the doorway of an apartment at the Shenandoah Village Apartments on February 5, 2017. Emergency services transported her to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, but she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead just after midnight on February 6, 2017, a mere three days before her 29th birthday.
Asia was a dedicated student at Virginia Western Community College, known for her love of cooking and her generous spirit. Friends and family remembered her for a bright smile and a zest for life. She found joy in reading, dancing, and spending time with her family, especially her younger nieces and nephews. Her commitment to her community was evident in her willingness to help others and her volunteer work, which included sharing her culinary creations with children at a local daycare.
For years, her family and the Roanoke community waited for a break in the case. The Roanoke Police Department had identified a suspect, Rodney Ray Dunn, and issued a warrant for his arrest on a charge of second-degree murder. Dunn, who had a previous arrest record in Roanoke, remained at large for over four years.
The pursuit of justice took a significant step forward on June 18, 2021, when the 36-year-old Dunn was located and arrested in Queens, New York, by the New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force. His capture brought a renewed sense of hope to Asia's loved ones that the person responsible for her untimely death would finally be held accountable for his actions.
