In the quiet town of Grundy, Virginia, the Appalachian School of Law became the scene of a tragedy that claimed the life of 41-year-old professor Thomas Francis Blackwell. On January 16, 2002, a student named Peter Odighizuwa opened fire on the campus, forever altering the lives of those present. Blackwell, an associate professor of law, was among the three individuals fatally shot that day.
The other victims were the school's dean, Anthony Sutin, and a student, Angela Dales.
Thomas Blackwell was a dedicated educator and a respected member of the community. A native of Texas, he was a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington and earned his law degree from Duke University School of Law. Before joining the faculty at the Appalachian School of Law, he practiced law in Dallas and taught at other institutions. He was actively involved in the Grundy community, serving on the boards of Buchanan Neighbors United and the Technology Committee of the Buchanan County Chamber of Commerce. He was also a devoted member of the Buchanan First Presbyterian Church.
The perpetrator of the shooting, Peter Odighizuwa, was a 43-year-old student at the law school. Following the attack, he was taken into custody and charged with three counts of premeditated murder, three counts of attempted murder, and six counts of unlawful weapon use. After being found mentally competent to stand trial, Odighizuwa pleaded guilty to the murders. This plea was part of an agreement to avoid the death penalty, and he was subsequently sentenced to multiple life terms in prison for his actions.
