In April 2012, two members of the Jones family were killed inside their home in Matoaca, Virginia. On April 18, 2012, 71-year-old Joseph Edward Jones was shot multiple times in the den with a .38-caliber revolver and then again with a .22-caliber revolver. The following day his 51-year-old son, Perry Edward Jones, who was severely disabled, non-verbal, and required constant care, was strangled with a belt.

The accused is Estelle Jones, Joseph’s wife of more than fifty years and Perry’s mother. After the killings she attempted suicide and was arrested. Her defense said she had suffered long-term abuse and was experiencing psychotic depression possibly worsened by severe hypothyroid illness, impairing her judgment. In November 2012 she pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for Joseph’s death and first-degree murder for Perry’s death. At sentencing a judge cited her cognitive impairment and community support and imposed a total 50-year term with 24 years suspended, later reducing the active portion to five years.

Did anyone in Matoaca at the time know more about the family situation or Estelle’s health and behavior before April 2012?