An incarcerated man has been linked a cold case involving the 2003 murder of a Roanoke man and his dog.
Richard Anthony “Dickie” Palmer was found dead on April 22, 2003, in his Chevrolet pickup truck along with the remains of his dog at Perry Park in Roanoke.
The suspect, who has not been named, was indicted by the Floyd County Grand Jury this week for the homicide more than two decades ago.
Virginia State Police said there is no danger to the public due to the suspect’s incarceration.
The preliminary investigation found that Palmer, and his red Australian Heeler, Rufus, were likely killed at the Palmer residence in Riner and the bodies were transported to the park in Roanoke after being killed. Blood was found in the yard of the residence by a family member.
“After 21 years, it is incredibly satisfying to provide answers to the Palmer family in the brutal murder of Dickie” said Douglas R. Hubert, Senior Special Agent with the Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Salem field office.
The agencies involved in the investigation include the Virginia State Police, Office of the Attorney General, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Roanoke Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety.
The defendant’s name should be released following his arrest, according to VSP.
Related stories: Cold case
- Cold case: Virginia man arrested for five rapes in Georgetown dating back to 2008
- Cold case: Prince William County murder suspect arrested after 14-year investigation
- Cold case: Caldwell Fields murders unsolved 15 years after brutal crime
- FBI offers $10,000 reward for information on 2022 Virginia cold case
- Cold case: VSP continues to investigate murder of Alicia Showalter Reynolds
- Two Hampton Roads cold cases solved through Virginia sexual assault initiative
- Cold case: Norfolk Police looking for suspect from 2021 fire resulting in one death
- Cold case: Virginia Beach detectives looking for new leads in 2022 homicide
Share
Crystal Graham
