The Virginia State Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 35-year-old man by a Henry County sheriff’s deputy Monday, April 6, as is standard in officer-involved shootings.
Christopher Thomas Shepard was shot and killed that morning in a wooded area near Berry Hill Court after deputies spent two days searching for him in connection with what the sheriff’s office alleged was a violent domestic assault.
According to the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, deputies had been looking for Shepard since April 4, when a woman reported at the Circle K on Virginia Avenue that she had been assaulted by her boyfriend.
Deputies said the woman reported being physically assaulted, strangled and sexually assaulted. She also told deputies she had been threatened with a gun.
As a result, warrants were obtained charging Shepard with rape, object sexual penetration, strangulation, abduction, assault and battery of a family or household member, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Shepard also was wanted in North Carolina on a probation violation related to a previous violent felony conviction.
The sheriff’s office said deputies believed Shepard was armed with a semiautomatic handgun and began searching wooded areas near a trailer park after receiving information that he may be hiding there.
At about 9:40 a.m. Monday, deputies received a report that Shepard had been seen entering a wooded area near Berry Hill Court. About an hour later, deputies, including members of the SWAT team and a K-9 unit, found him.
According to the sheriff’s office, deputies spent about nine minutes trying to de-escalate the situation.
Sheriff Wayne Davis alleged Shepard pointed a handgun at deputies several times.
“This was a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation involving an armed and violent individual. Our deputies worked diligently to locate and apprehend this suspect while prioritizing public safety. The actions taken ultimately prevented further harm to our community,” Davis said.
He also emphasized the importance of recognizing the difficult decisions law enforcement officers must make in critical incidents.
“Our deputies are often faced with split second decisions in dangerous situations. While these moments are challenging, their commitment remains focused on protecting the citizens of Henry County.”
The sheriff’s office said a deputy assigned to the SWAT team then fired, striking Shepard. Body camera footage indicates Shepard and the deputy fired nearly at the same time, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies gave Shepard medical aid, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave with pay while the investigation continues.
The Henry County Sheriff’s Office also extends its concern and support to the victim in this case. No one should have to endure the type of violence that was reported.
Partner agencies that assisted throughout this investigation, including the Henry County Department of Public Safety, Martinsville-Henry County 9-1-1 Center, Virginia State Police, Martinsville Police Department and Fire and Rescue, The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office, and the United States Marshal’s Service.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
