Death of unborn child ruled homicide, authorities consider additional charges

As the Henry County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the death of Krystal Anne McReynolds and her unborn child, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the Western District of Virginia ruled that both deaths are considered homicides, according to a release from the Henry County Sheriff’s Office.

The incident started to unravel at 9:48 p.m. on Feb. 18, when the Martinsville-Henry County Emergency 911 Center received a call that an individual had been shot. Deputies arrived on the scene at 60 Fourth St., Fieldale and located McReynolds at 9:52 p.m., authorities have said.

McReynolds was found lying outside the home, suffering from at least one gunshot wound to the face, authorities have said.

McReynolds was transported to SOVAH Health Martinsville and subsequently transferred to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital, where she remained in critical condition while undergoing treatment for life-threatening injuries, a release stated.

During the investigation, authorities determined that McReynolds was four-to five-months pregnant.

The unborn child died, and an autopsy was conducted. The medical examiner ruled the cause of death for the unborn child was maternal trauma, according to the release.

The Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the Henry County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office are working together to determine any additional or upgraded charges in relation to the death of the unborn child.

McReynolds died Wednesday as the result of a gunshot wound, authorities have said.

Thomas Christopher McDowell, 35, of 42 Badger Dr., Fieldale, was charged with second degree murder and use of a firearm during the commission of murder in connection with the incident.

He currently is being held in the Henry County Jail without bond.

This incident remains under investigation. Anyone having information pertaining to this incident is asked to contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751 or the Crimestoppers Program at 63-CRIME (632-7463).  The Crimestoppers Program offers rewards up to $2,500 for information related to crime.  The nature of the crime and the substance of the information determine the amount of reward paid.