On October 19, 1995, 68-year-old Joan Herndon was found dead inside his home in rural Arvonia, Buckingham County, Virginia. He died of a shotgun blast; investigators determined the weapon fired number 8 shot. A concerned family member discovered the body after being unable to reach him.

The scene suggested no violent struggle, and a small amount of cash was missing from a cash register, so robbery was considered a possible motive. With no witnesses and limited physical evidence, the inquiry stalled and the case became cold. Virginia State Police and local authorities have periodically revisited the investigation but no arrests or public suspect identifications have been announced.

Anyone who knew Joan, lived in Arvonia at the time, or has information about that October 1995 homicide is urged to come forward.