🌱 Mixed Verdict Reached In Vinton Case + Salem Man's Remains Found

Hello, everybody! It's the sunday edition of the Roanoke Patch newsletter. Let's get this day off to the right start with a quick review of what's happening around town.

But first, today's weather:

Sunny and milder. High: 66 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories today in Roanoke:

1. A bill that would ban the sale of products with more than 2 milligrams of THC passed during the most recent legislative session and has some area hemp businesses concerned. HB2294 calls for businesses caught doing so to face up to a $10,000 a day fine. Mike Hughes, owner of Positive eFX CBD and Wellness, said "100% we’ll close this store if this bill passes. Last year we went through a stint where we probably lost 30-40% of our revenue from Delta 8 edibles. So, this one I really see as the final nail in the coffin." Proponents of the bill say their intent is to keep products that can cause a high out of the hands of children, but its detractors say it will only increase the black market. The bill now goes to the governor who may or may not add amendments to the restitutions. You can read more details about the bill here. (WSLS)
2. The body of John Krippendorf, 57, of Salem, who checked himself out of LewisGale Hospital on Feb. 9 and subsequently disappeared has been found not far from the hospital property. Krippendorf's remains were found near Braeburn Drive shortly before 2 p.m. by a search party made up of Salem Police officers, family, and friends. Several previous searches had failed to turn up anything. Police do not suspect any foul play in Krippendorf's death, but an official cause of death is pending an autopsy by the state. (WDBJ)
3. The jury reached a mixed verdict in the case of Jeremiah Unique Parnell in the case of the 2021 killing of the manager of the Vinton McDonald’s. Parnell was found not guilty on charges of first-degree murder and using a firearm firearm to commit a felony, but was found guilty of taking part in an attempted robbery that caused a death. Parnell's attorney said the findings were inconsistent and asked the judge to overturn the guilty verdict, but the judge declined to rule immediately saying he would take the matter under advisement ordering both the defense and the prosecution to turn in written motions in addition to a presentencing report. The guilty verdict on the robbery charge could still land Parnell with a sentence of 20 years to life and a hearing has been scheduled for July 11. (Roanoke Times)
4. William Byrd High School officially welcomed a unit of the Navy National Defense Cadet Corps, a substitute program for the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps for schools that don't meet the enrollment requirements for the later. An establishment ceremony was held on Feb. 23 and included officials from William Byrd, Roanoke County Schools, and the Navy. "William Byrd High School has a long-standing tradition for, and appreciation of, those serving in our armed forces, and I am honored to have so many here today representing our military. Thank you for your service and for being here. William Byrd High School is honored to be the home of this new cadet corps," said WBHS Principal Tammy Newcomb. (Vinton Messenger)
5. A Roanoke man was arrested and officially charged with a homicide Thursday afternoon in relation to a shooting that occured in December 2022 in the 700 block of Hunt Avenue NW. Officials at the Roanoke City Police Department said Quantas L. Howard, 44, was located with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force and taken into custody without incident thus executing a warrant that was issued for Howard's arrest on Feb. 10, 2023. (WDBJ)

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Today in Roanoke:

• Roanoke Arts Pop! at Taubman Museum of Art (Noon)
• Sunday Sips & St. Patty’s Paint Party at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (2 p.m.)
• Lenny Marcus & Friends at Big Lick Brewing Company (4 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke: "What a stunning release for Worĺd Wildlife Day! This mature Red-tailed Hawk was returned back home to Montgomery County after a lengthy rehab process, after suffering neurological damage." (Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center of Roanoke via Facebook)
• The Rescue Mission of Roanoke: "SOBRIETY CELEBRATION! We want to give a big shoutout to our Men’s Shelter Team Lead, Eric Witcher, for celebrating eight years of sobriety. On March 1st 2015 he walked into the Rescue Mission in need of sobriety. What he found changed his life!" (The Rescue Mission of Roanoke via Facebook)
• Roanoke Valley SPCA: "Welcome our new Canine Ambassador, Lightning! Our Visiting Pets program travels to several assisted and independent living centers, nursing homes, schools, and more each month to spread the puppy love in our community." (Roanoke Valley SPCA via Facebook)
• Roanoke Public Libraries: "Sarah Caldwell Butler, some say the mother of the Roanoke Public Libraries, helped to create a citizens committee in 1920 to work toward establishing a public library. She spoke in front of City Council and asked to restore the old Terry-Goodwin House in Elmwood Park for a library. #womenshistorymonth" (Roanoke Public Libraries via Facebook)

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Thanks for following! I'll see you all tomorrow morning for another update. In the meantime, take a look at the latest headlines on Deadline.com for a familiar name. 😉

— Ian

About me: Ian Graham is a novelist, screenwriter, and freelance contributing writer. He is a firm believer in being yourself… unless you can be Batman. Always be Batman. To connect with Ian, you can visit him on Facebook and Instagram. He doesn't bite. Except on full moons.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Roanoke Patch newsletter? Contact me at roanoke@patch.com