In the early morning hours of November 7, 2010, the life of Tushawn Wray Drew, a 35-year-old Black male from Roanoke, Virginia, was tragically cut short. Known affectionately as 'Shawn' to his friends and family, he was a beloved father of six children. Those who knew him described him as a joyful, friendly, and caring individual, a 'Big Teddy Bear' who worked as a bouncer. His straightforward nature was one of his defining characteristics.
On that fateful morning, at approximately 1:20 a.m., Drew was discovered shot inside his vehicle on Church Avenue.
The events leading to his death began to unfold when two visitors to the city, who had met Drew at a party earlier in the evening, flagged down a police supervisor. They reported a harrowing incident in the 500 block of Church Avenue. According to their account, a dark-colored vehicle approached Drew's car, and two individuals exited their vehicle, opening fire on Drew before fleeing the scene. The sudden violence left a community in mourning and a family devastated by the loss of a dedicated father.
For years, the investigation into Tushawn Drew's murder continued, a painful reminder of a life taken too soon. The case saw significant developments in 2017 when arrests were made and justice began to take its course. Ronnie Thomas, a man from Roanoke, faced several charges, including first-degree murder. He entered a no-contest plea and was subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison for his role in the crime.
Another suspect, Timothy Price Jr., was also implicated in Drew's death. He pleaded guilty in connection with the case and was scheduled for sentencing that same year. While the convictions brought a measure of closure to Drew's family and the community, the case highlighted the persistent and challenging nature of solving violent crimes. The Roanoke Police Department continued to encourage anyone with additional information to come forward, underscoring the ongoing effort to ensure all those responsible were held accountable.
