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”
Between Shipman & Rockfish
Laurel Road
Nelson County, Virginia
Updated 10:40 PM Tuesday evening 8.22.17
VSP confirms they are now involved in search.
In email correspondence from the Public Relations Director of the Virginia State Police, they confirm this is an active manhunt. “This is an active search for these two individuals,” Corrine Gellar told us around 10:40 PM Tuesday night via email.
“Press Release from Nelson County, VA, Sheriff’s Office:
In the late hours of 8/21/2017 the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office responded to an unoccupied suspicious vehicle in the Laurel Road area of Nelson County. The vehicle is registered to an elderly man listed as missing from North Carolina.
Please be on the lookout for Sean Damion Castorina WM- 06/04/1975 and Penny Michelle Dawson WF- 03/07/1977 of Burington, NC. They are wanted for questioning in the suspicious disappearance of an elderly white male from Burlington. There are no active warrants on either subject at this time. Mr. Castorina was last believed to be in Virginia and has family in Norfolk, VA.
As of 7:36 p.m., Tuesday (8/22/17) the Nelson County Sheriff’s and Virginia State police responded to a shooting at the 3000 block of Laurel Rd. This is currently an active crime scene. We are asking all citizens in Nelson County to shelter in place until further notice.
We are currently looking for a person of interest driving a white 2002 Dodge Dakota with a blue tailgate. North Carolina tag DHN-5418
If located contact police immediately, do not attempt to approach, may be armed and dangerous. Call 911 or #77 on a cell phone if you have any information about either subject.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police”
“Update….the Nelson County Sheriff’s and Virginia State police responded to a shooting at the 3000 block of Laurel Rd. This is currently an active crime scene. We are asking all citizens to shelter in place until further notice. We are currently looking for a person of interest driving a white 2002 Dodge Dakota with a blue tailgate. North Carolina tag DHN-5418
If located contact police immediately, do not attempt to approach, may be armed and dangerous.”
Photo courtesy of Lovingston Volunteer Fire Department : Crews work the scene of a brush fire on Coon Hollow Road in Shipman. Tuesday – August 22, 2017
Coon Hollow Road
Shipman – Nelson County, VA
Fire crews have now extinguished the brush fire. Here’s the latest release from LFVD:
“In the late hours of 8/21/2017 the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office responded to an unoccupied suspicious vehicle in the Laurel Road area of Nelson County. The vehicle is registered to an elderly man listed as missing from North Carolina.
Please be on the lookout for Sean Damion Castorina WM- 06/04/1975 and Penny Michelle Dawson WF- 03/07/1977 of Burington, NC. They are wanted for questioning in the suspicious disappearance of an elderly white male from Burlington. There are no active warrants on either subject at this time. Mr. Castorina was last believed to be in Virginia and has family in Norfolk, VA. If located, please contact your local law enforcement office.
”
From Nelson County Sheriff David Hill
“The Nelson County Sheriff’s Office is looking for two missing male subjects who may be in the Laurel Road area of Nelson County. (that’s east portion of county) These subjects may be in the company of a female. If you see or have seen any recent suspicious activity please contact the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office immediately. Do not attempt to make contact.”
Please contact the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office at 434.263.7050
Sheriff Hill tells us they are gathering more information and will be passing along additional details as they are available. The request came from an out of state agency.
If you missed your chance at seeing the eclipse on Monday, not to worry, you will have another opportunity in 7 years. The next total solar eclipse will be on April 8, 2024. Though you will have to travel out of the Mid Atlantic to get a really good look.
When the eclipse was about 50% in effect you could see it easily on a projection box like the photo below and through tree limbs projected onto objects like this bucket on a tractor.
Conditions more or less cooperated across the Blue Ridge, but some people eneded up having clouds and thunderstorms so the only got to see little to none of the eclipse.
UPS Driver Jimmy Campbell of Nelson County took a quick peek through one of the box viewers we made when he was dropping off a package at our office.Photo By Lurene Cachola Kelley : One of my former news colleagues, Lurene Kelley of Memphis, shot this photo Monday afternoon in St. Genevieve County, Missouri. It was one of the locations in the US that saw a total eclipse. Notice the sunset look as the eclipse reached its peak. This was at 1:18 PM CST on August 21, 2017.The view of the solar eclipse when it was at about 50% of coverage. Here in the Blue Ridge the peak of the eclipse was around 2:40 PM Monday afternoon – August 21, 2017.
Hope you got to see the eclipse and if not, see you in 7 years!
Virginia State Police Trooper N.E. Hollandsworth is investigating a fatal pedestrian crash in Amherst County. The crash occurred at 11:50 a.m., on Aug. 19, 2017, on Route 60 at Tudor Hall Drive.
William A. Grant, 76, of Waynesboro, Va., was standing the travel lane on Route 60 when he was struck by a 1997 Subaru Legacy. The Subaru was unable to avoid striking Grant.
Grant was transported to Lynchburg General Hospital, where he died later that same day.
The driver of the Subaru was not injured.
Corinne N. Geller
Public Relations Director
Virginia State Police
A shot from our cover story back in 2008. Brower York had recently released some never before seen color photos of the 1969 destruction from Hurricane Camille.
Our September 2008 (Then Nelson County Life Magazine) revealing some the the very first color pictures taken by Photographer Brower York of the tragedy that struck Nelson County, killing dozens and destroying millions in property. Click on issue above to read the entire article and see the photos starting on page 12.
Nelson County, VA Below, our 2011 story on the placing of a wreath on the marker at the Rockfish Trail Loop to remember those who lost their lives in August 1969
Nelson County’s Historical Society has an entire room devoted to the history of Hurricane Camille and its effect on Nelson County at the Oakland Museum.You can see the old photographs above along with countless more from photographer Brower York’s collection.
As of roughly 11:35 PM all power has been restored.
Central Virginia Electric says problems with an AEP feeder line have cause a little over 1100 customers to be without power primarily in the eastern and southern sections of Nelson County.
“AEP has an outage on the transmission line serving our Colleen substation and 1144 CVEC members are without power. AEP has dispatched a transmission line crew to find the cause and restore power.
Estimated power restoration times are now available on our website, via the MyCVEC Mobile App, and texting service.
For updates on the outages and to view the estimated restoration time for your area, click here: https://www.outageentry.com/CustomerFacingAppJQM/outage.php“
