On a Memorial Day in Newport News, Virginia, the life of a well-regarded local business owner was tragically cut short. Bryce Edward Hinkle, a 62-year-old male, was found deceased in his home on Harpersville Road on May 30, 2016. Hinkle was the owner and operator of Mr. Ed's Lawn Mowers, a business he ran from his residence. The discovery of his body, bearing two gunshot wounds to the torso, launched a homicide investigation that would ultimately lead to the conviction of a former associate.
The key to solving the case came from the alert actions of a vigilant neighbor. On the day of the incident, surveillance footage captured a partially disguised man, later identified as Andrew Norton, forcing his way into Hinkle's home. Shortly after, the same neighbor observed Norton fleeing the scene and getting into a car parked down the street. Feeling that something was amiss, the neighbor decided to follow the vehicle, successfully obtaining its license plate information, which was then relayed to the police. The neighbor then returned to Hinkle's home to check on him, discovering the grim scene in the living room.
The license plate information proved to be a critical lead for investigators. They were able to trace the vehicle to its owner, who cooperated with the police. The owner admitted to lending the car to Norton on the day of the murder and testified in court that Norton had spoken of robbing his former boss. The car owner also stated that Norton was in possession of a revolver and credit cards that he did not have prior to going to Hinkle's home.
Andrew Norton, 39 years old at the time of his conviction, was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with Hinkle's death. In June 2018, a Newport News jury found Norton guilty of second-degree murder, robbery, and two counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was later formally sentenced for his crimes.
