“At 9:05 a.m., Aug. 31, 2017, Virginia State Police responded to a two-vehicle crash in the southbound lanes of Route 29 near Rockfish River Road in Nelson County. A tractor-trailer and Toyota 4Runner collided in the southbound lanes of Route 29. The impact of the crash caused the tractor-trailer to run off the road, strike the guardrail and overturn. The tractor-trailer was loaded with frozen chicken. The driver of the SUV refused medical transport by ambulance. The driver of the tractor-trailer was not injured in the crash.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”
Cleared: Accident: SB on US-29 at MM113 in Nelson Co.9:22PM
What’s believed to be an overturned semi hauling what’s believed to be frozen chicken wings is delaying traffic on US 29 southbound in the vicinity of Buck Creek Lane and Route 6 (River Road)
Crews are working to clear the road, some oil has spilled from the semi as well, so hazmat crews are working to contain that as well.
Expect delays for the foreseeable near future in this area.
Burlington,NC
By Tommy Stafford
A North Carolina couple are charged with the shooting of a Nelson County, Virginia woman last week are now indicted for the murder of 84 year old Harold Simpson in Burlington.Simpson went missing over a week ago. His car was stolen and driven to Laurel Road in East Nelson County where the shooting took place.
“Sean D. Castorina, 42, and Penny M. Dawson, 40, were indicted for First Degree Murder after being taken into custody in Minnesota last week for their connection to the disappearance and murder of Harold Simpson.
The Burlington police department believes they found Simpson’s remains in Caswell County according to a release Simpson was reported missing on Aug. 19 to Burlington police. Based on the investigation, investigators believe the remains found are Simpson’s, but are awaiting official notification from the state medical examiner’s office.”
Click on poster above to view larger version or to print off.
Nellysford
Nelson County, Virginia
The new kid-friendly exhibit is called NATURALLY NELSON and focuses on water, rocks, plants and animals. We’ll have interpretative guides at interactive stations along the Children’s Nature Trail and also docents at stations inside the center at the Naturally Nelson exhibit. We will unveil our new park shed built by Nelson County High School Students, new perimeter fencing and gate at our Glenthorne Loop entrance and a Nelson County geology kiosk. LOTS MORE.
Refreshments include Kona shaved Ice ( truck), Lucky Duck Kettle Korn and watermelon. There will be a water melon seed spitting contest, horse shoes, pulpwood throwing and a brand new “mud kitchen”. We have new swings and a 42 inch x 8 foot concrete “play” pipe. (the size of the proposed Dominion pipeline)
“Virginia State Police Trooper S.J. Nicely Jr., is investigating a fatal crash in Augusta County. The crash occurred at approximately 1:57 a.m., Saturday (Aug. 26) at the intersection of Highway 11 and Route 262.
A Yamaha R3 motorcycle was traveling south on Highway 11. As it took the ramp to Route 262 south, the motorcyclist lost control. The motorcycle ran off the road and struck the cement barrier. The impact of the crash caused the rider to be ejected from the bike and to fall over the cement barrier to Highway 11 underneath the bridge.
The motorcyclist, Justice L. Feazell, 24, of Waynesboro, Va., died at the scene. He was wearing a helmet.
Speed was a factor in the crash. The Virginia State Police Appomattox Division Crash Reconstruction Team is assisting with the ongoing investigation.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”
Screengrab courtesy of TheTimesNews.com in Burlington, NC : “Police had told his family that the body of Harold Simpson had been found that night in Caswell County. Robert Simpson learned the news about 10:15 Friday night from a family member, he said.”
Caswell County, North Carolina
By Tommy Stafford
The body of a man that’s been missing in North Carolina since last weekend was apparently located on Friday in Caswell County, NC. TheTimesNews.com is reporting the story out of Burlington. The case has links to the shooting of a Nelson County, VA woman several days ago. The same couple, Sean D. Castorina, 42, of Burlington, N.C., and Penny M. Dawson, 40, of Burlington, N.C, are suspected in the disappearance of Harold Simpson in NC. Investigators say they stole his car and drove it to Nelson County where they say the couple shot the woman here. The NC car was abandoned in East Nelson County. The duo then stole her boyfriend’s truck of the shooting victim. They fugitive couple was eventually captured in Minnesota on Thursday.
From TheTimesNews.com:
“The body of an 84-year-old Burlington man missing since Aug. 19 was found Friday, the man’s son said.
Police said Saturday morning that the body is still unidentified and are awaiting identification from the state medical examiner’s office.
Meanwhile, one of the suspects in Harold Simpson’s disappearance had just been released from prison after serving a sentence for second-degree murder in the killing of his former boss.
In a Friday night phone call to the Times-News, Robert Simpson said police had told his family that the body of Harold Simpson had been found that night in Caswell County. Robert Simpson learned the news about 10:15 Friday night from a family member, he said.
Investigators with the Burlington Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation and the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Totten Road at 6 p.m. on Friday, Burlington police said in a statement.
Investigators searched the area and found a body in a field.”
While the official Burlington PD release says they are awaiting positive forensics identification, the story above does say a family member was told by police it was Harold Simpson.
“BURLINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Captain Bret Currie
Date: August 26, 2017
Death Investigation
On August 25, 2017 at 6:00 pm, investigators with the Burlington Police Department received information involving the disappearance of Mr. Harold Dean Simpson that led investigators to the area of Totten Road in Caswell County. Investigators with the Burlington Police Department, State Bureau of Investigations and the Caswell County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Totten Road.
Investigators searched the area and found an unidentified body in a field. At this time it is unknown if this is the body of Mr. Harold Dean Simpson who was reported missing to the Burlington Police Department on August 19th. The unidentified body will be transported to the NC Medical Examiner’s Office for examination and identification.
Anyone with information concerning this crime is encouraged to contact the Burlington Police Department at (336) 229-3500. For anonymous methods, call Alamance County-Wide Crimestoppers at (336) 229-7100 or text 8398 to 274637 for a text-a-tip method, both with possible cash rewards.
Captain B. L. Currie
Criminal Investigations Division
Burlington Police Department”
We’ve been telling you about Craig & Nikki Nargi’s Stable Craft Brewing since the beginning. On Thursday the news got even better! They along with the Virginia Governor’s office announced a 1/2 million dollar expansion at the brewery. Once finished it will triple the production of the beer. The company will also purchase 88 percent of its agricultural inputs from Virginia farmers in additon to creating 13 new jobs.
“The increased production capacity and bottling line will allow our packaged beers to reach more consumers in more places convenient to their travels, in addition to Stable Craft Brewing’s current availability in restaurants, taverns and dining establishments.” said Craig Nargi, Stable Craft Brewing owner. “The expansion will also allow our award-winning head brewer, Christopher Fann, more flexibility with new beers, experimentation, and ultimately delivering a quality Farm Fresh product.”
Virginia’s Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Basil Gooden (left center) presents a $15,000 grant check to Stable Craft Owners Cragg & Nikki Nargi on Thursday – August 24, 2017 as part of the announcement of a $500,000 expansion.
The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Augusta County and Stable Craft Brewing to secure this project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $15,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund, which Augusta will match with local funds. Funding and services to support the company’s employee recruitment and training activities are being provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
“Through its commitment to sourcing ingredients from Virginia’s agricultural producers, Stable Craft Brewing is further supporting Virginia’s growing craft beer supply chain,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Basil Gooden. “I am pleased the Commonwealth could partner with Augusta County through the AFID Program to support this local business in a quickly growing industry.”
To see all of Marcie’s photos from yesterday’s exciting announcement at Stable Craft, click on our Facebook album above.
Congrats to Craig & Nikki and all of the crew at Stable Craft!
Above Sean D. Castorina, 42, of Burlington, N.C., and Penny M. Dawson, 40, of Burlington, N.C wanted in connection with a shooting in Nelson County, Virginia and the disappearance of a NC man are in custody. The were apprehended in Minnesota on Thursday – August 24, 2017
Fergus Falls, MN
Nelson County, VA
By Tommy Stafford
The East Nelson woman who was shot remains in serious condition after she was transported to UVA Medical Center by Wintergreen Fire & Rescue earlier this week.
The two fugitives from North Carolina being sought in a Nelson County shooting are now in police custody. Shortly after 9 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, Sean D. Castorina and Penny M. Dawson were apprehended by the Fergus Falls, Minn., Police Department. The two were arrested without incident at a gas station within that jurisdiction.
The two will be extradited back to Virginia to face charges of malicious wounding, use of a firearm and grand larceny of a vehicle.
During the past two days, the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Appomattox Field Office, the Nelson County, Va., Sheriff’s Office, Burlington, N.C., Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Service have been actively pursuing leads and searching for the couple.
The incident began Aug. 19, 2017, when the Burlington, N.C. Police Department received a report of a missing person. Mr. Harold Dean Simpson, 84, was last seen by his family at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, Aug. 18, 2017. Mr. Simpson’s silver 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt was located by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office at 6:48 p.m., on Monday, Aug. 21. The vehicle, with North Carolina license plate EMA 8936, had been abandoned on Laurel Road in eastern Nelson County.
During the course of the investigation into the abandoned vehicle, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 7:30 p.m., Tuesday (Aug. 22) about a shooting victim at a residence on Laurel Road near Rockfish River. When law enforcement arrived on scene, they found a 60-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound. She continues to be treated at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville, Va., for serious injuries.
After the shooting, Castorina and Dawson fled the residence in a 2002 Dodge Dakota that belonged to the owner of the residence. The two were still driving the stolen pickup truck when apprehended in Minnesota.
The search continues for Mr. Simpson. Anyone with information related to Mr. Simpson’s disappearance is asked to still please contact the Burlington, N.C., Police or call 911 or, in Virginia, call #77 on a cell phone.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police
Original post
BRL has been able to independently confirm outside of law enforcement and with law enforcement sources in Buckingham County, VA that the two fugitives on the run from police have been apprehended.
Family and friends of the victim say they were caught in Minnesota. Though we have not been able to confirm that with law enforcement.
BRL has attempted to get Nelson Sheriff David Hill to confirm the capture. Thus far he has not returned any of our calls.
We have an inquiry into the Virginia State Police as well.
Photo Via VSP : State police and the sheriff’s office have been able to confirm that Sean D. Castorina, 42, of Burlington, N.C., gassed up the stolen 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup truck at Ashley’s Market on Route 151 in Afton, Va., on Tuesday evening.
Nelson County, Virginia
The latest update from VSP as of 6:24 PM – 8.23.17
The Virginia State Police and Nelson County Sheriff’s Office are continuing their search efforts to locate the two North Carolina fugitives wanted for Tuesday night’s shooting of a woman in Nelson County. State police and the sheriff’s office have been able to confirm that Sean D. Castorina, 42, of Burlington, N.C., gassed up the stolen 2002 Dodge Dakota pickup truck at Ashley’s Market on Route 151 in Afton, Va., on Tuesday evening. This would have taken place following the shooting of a 60-year-old woman at a Nelson County residence on Laurel Road.
State police have obtained arrest warrants for malicious wounding and use of a firearm for both Castorina and Penny M. Dawson, 40, of Burlington, N.C. Investigators believe the two are traveling together.
The stolen pickup truck has a blue tailgate and a custom, faded-red bumper with the North Carolina license plate DHN 5418 affixed to it.
The stolen pickup pulling into Ashley’s Market on Tuesday evening – August 22, 2017
The shooting victim remains at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville for treatment of serious injuries.
Anyone with information about Castorina and/or Dawson…or might recall seeing the pickup truck at the gas station around 5 p.m. Tuesday evening…is asked to please call 911 or #77 on a cell phone. Tips can also be sent in via email to questions@vsp.virginia.gov.
Both subjects should be considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached.
The search also continues for the missing 84-year-old man, Harold D. Simpson of Burlington, N.C., who was last seen at his residence on Aug. 18. His Chevrolet Cobalt was found abandoned Monday (Aug. 21) down the road from the shooting that occurred the next night (Aug. 22).
Due to the ongoing search efforts for the wanted subjects in and around Nelson County, those attending the Lockn’ Festival 2017 can expect to see an increased police presence. The additional troopers and deputies are on assignment for the safety and protection of concert attendees. The Lockn’ Festival 2017 officially begins Aug. 24 and continues through Aug. 27 in Nelson County.
Thanks,
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police
Via VSP Recent Photo : Castorina is a white male with distinctive tattoos on his forearms. He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 lbs.
Near Rockfish
Nelson County, Virginia
VSP has released the following update just before noon regarding the search for two fugitives responsible for the shooting of a woman On Laurel Road Tuesday afternoon. Our earlier coverage here.
Here’s their release verbatim:
“Virginia State Police and the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Burlington, N.C. Police Department, is still actively searching for the missing 84-year-old man from Burlington, N.C., and the two North Carolina fugitives.
The incident began August 19, 2017, when the Burlington, N.C. Police Department received a report of a missing person. Mr. Harold Dean Simpson, 84, was last seen by his family at 10:30 a.m., on Friday, August 18, 2017. According to the Burlington, N.C. Police Department’s press release, “Mr. Simpson has no history of dementia or other cognitive impairments.”
Via VSP : Mr. Simpson’s silver 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt was located by the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office at 6:48 p.m., on Monday, Aug. 20. The vehicle, with North Carolina license plate EMA 8936, had been abandoned on Laurel Road in eastern Nelson County.
During the course of the investigation into the abandoned vehicle, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 7:30 p.m., Tuesday (Aug. 22) about a shooting victim at a residence on Laurel Road near Rockfish River. When law enforcement arrived on scene, they found a 60-year-old female suffering from a gunshot wound. She continues to be treated at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville, Va., for serious injuries.
Missing from the same residence is a white 2002 Dodge Dakota with a medium-blue tailgate and custom, faded-red, squared-off bumper. The pickup truck has a North Carolina license plate, DHN 5418, affixed to the bumper.
Based on the investigation into the shooting, Virginia State Police obtained arrest warrants for malicious wounding and use of a firearm for both Sean D. Castorina, 42, of Burlington, N.C., and Penny M. Dawson, 40, of Burlington, N.C.
Via VSP Recent Photo : Castorina is a white male with distinctive tattoos on his forearms. He is approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs approximately 150 lbs.
Dawson is a white female, 5 feet 3 inches in height and weighs approximately 172 pounds.
The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police are actively searching for Castorina and Dawson. Castorina does have family in Norfolk, Va.
Both are considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. Anyone with information about Castorina and/or Dawson and/or the missing pickup truck is encouraged to call 911 or #77 on a cell phone.
”
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”
Photos : Burlington Police Department, Burlington, NC Phone : Above Sean D. Castorina, 42, of Burlington, N.C., and Penny M. Dawson, 40, of Burlington, N.C are wanted in connection with a shooting Sunday evening in Nelson County, Virginia. They are also believed to be connected to the disappearance of a man missing in North Carolina. His NC car was found abandoned in Nelson County.
Near Rockfish
Nelson County, Virginia
By Tommy Stafford
The manhunt continues this morning for a couple charged with a shooting in Nelson County, Virginia and an investigation into the disappearance of a North Carolina man. As BRL reported first in stories here and here, local law officers became concerned after a request for help was sent out by Burlington, NC police. Officers thought the couple may be in Nelson County on Laurel Road as early as Monday night. BRL has learned that Sean D. Castorina was just released from prison on August 17th. He had been serving a sentence for 2nd degree murder in this case from 2003 where he plead guilty to shooting his former boss.
A screengrab of the Burlington PD Facebook post for the missing NC man. As of 5:15 AM Wednesday the post was still active on the their page.
As of 3:30 Wednesday morning Nelson Sheriff David Hill asked residents to remain cautious and alert but removed the request for residents to shelter in place.
“Effective 3:30 a.m. Wednesday, the shelter in place alert is lifted. We still encourage residents in the immediate area to remain alert and report any suspicious activity and appreciate your vigilance. At this stage we have no reason to believe that our citizens cannot continue with their normal activities,” the sheriff continued.
The Virginia State Police are now actively looking for the couple along with other law enforcement agencies from across the region.
Here’s the latest verbatim press release from VSP as of 2:42 AM Wednesday morning – August 23, 2017.
“A North Carolina couple faces charges of malicious wounding and use of a firearm following a shooting at a Nelson County residence Tuesday (Aug. 22, 2017). Sean D. Castorina, 42, of Burlington, N.C., and Penny M. Dawson, 40, of Burlington, N.C., are both charged with those felony counts.
The incident began at 6:48 p.m. Monday (Aug. 20) when the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office received a call about an abandoned Chevrolet Cobalt parked on Laurel Road in eastern Nelson County. Further investigation revealed the Cobalt was registered to an elderly North Carolina man who had been reported missing to the Burlington, N.C. Police Department. Burlington, N.C. Police were also looking for Castorina and Dawson, who had been reported missing.
During the course of the investigation into the abandoned vehicle and missing persons, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call at approximately 7:30 p.m., Tuesday (Aug. 22) about a shooting victim at a residence on Laurel Road near Rockfish River. When law enforcement arrived on scene, they found an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound. She is currently being treated at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville, Va., for serious injuries.
Missing from the same residence is a white 2002 Dodge Dakota with a medium-blue tailgate and custom, faded-red, squared-off bumper. The pickup truck has a North Carolina license plate, DHN 5418, affixed to the bumper.
Photo via VSP : The pickup truck police are looking for mentioned above.
The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police are actively searching for Castorina and Dawson. Castorina has family in Norfolk, Va.
Both are considered armed and dangerous, and should not be approached. Anyone with information about Castorina and/or Dawson and/or the missing pickup truck is encouraged to call 911 or #77 on a cell phone.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”
