Deborah Anne Reed Griffith, 58, was found dead at her home on Shepherd Drive in Dublin, Virginia, on November 24, 2021. Deputies responding to a report of possible gunshots discovered she had died of multiple gunshot wounds; investigators later reported she had been shot nine times.

Authorities identified her 28-year-old son, William Tyler Griffith, as a suspect. He was taken into custody at the scene and charged with second-degree murder. Investigators described a strained relationship and frequent arguments between mother and son; they say an argument on the night of November 23, 2021, escalated and that William confessed, saying he had to shoot his mother because he couldn’t deal with her anymore. He was held without bond at the New River Valley Regional Jail and a grand jury found probable cause to proceed with charges.

Deborah Griffith had worked 17 years for the Pulaski County School District and was remembered in the community for her work with children. If anyone has information about the events on Shepherd Drive the night of November 23–24, please come forward.