Victoria Rose Howell, 44, was found dead of a gunshot wound inside a West Ridge Road residence in Wytheville, Virginia, in the early hours of Thursday, January 23, 2025. Responding officers arrived at about 1:00 a.m. and discovered Howell deceased inside the home.

Chad Nelson Hawks, identified as Howell’s boyfriend and a resident of the same address, was taken into custody at the scene by the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office. He has been charged with Second-Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Reckless Handling of a Firearm, and Discharging a Firearm inside an Occupied Dwelling. Hawks was held at New River Regional Jail while the investigation continues with assistance from the Wytheville Police Department and the Virginia State Police.

Are there readers who knew Victoria or who have information about the events that night who can help investigators?