On a January day in 2017, the life of Rodney Lee Hoback Jr., a 26-year-old male and a U.S. Army veteran, came to a tragic end in Giles County, Virginia. Hoback, who had been a resident of Pearisburg for the last decade, was fatally shot in an encounter with a Giles County sheriff's deputy.
Born on August 21, 1990, in Bluefield, West Virginia, Rodney was known by friends and family for his love of the outdoors, particularly hunting and fishing, which he often enjoyed with his older
brother. His path led him to serve in the U.S. Army, a testament to his commitment and character.
The events that led to the fatal shooting on Monday, January 16, 2017, remain without a detailed public account from official sources or news reports. Information regarding the specific circumstances of the interaction with law enforcement, what precipitated the use of deadly force, and the identity of the deputy involved has not been made widely available.
Following the incident, Rodney Hoback Jr. was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The scarcity of public information has left a void in the narrative of his final moments and the subsequent investigation that is customary in officer-involved shootings. There have been no reports of any arrests or charges filed in connection with his death. The absence of a public report from the Giles County Sheriff's Office or the Commonwealth's Attorney leaves many questions about the incident unanswered.
