Gretna Man Charged with First-Degree Murder After Wife Found Fatally Shot in Pittsylvania County
- BTW21
- Sep 16
- 1 min read
A Gretna man is facing first-degree murder charges after his wife was found dead from an apparent gunshot wound at their home in Pittsylvania County on Sunday evening.
According to the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), deputies responded to a call for a deceased individual at a residence on Derbie Road at approximately 7:51 p.m.
Upon arrival, they discovered 64-year-old Cynthia Rowland unresponsive with what appeared to be a gunshot wound. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators quickly identified the victim’s husband, 66-year-old Lonnie Rowland, as the primary suspect.
He was taken into custody shortly after deputies arrived and has since been charged with:
First Degree Murder (Code 18.2-32)
Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony (Code 18.2-53.1)
Rowland was arraigned Monday morning in Pittsylvania County General District Court and is currently being held without bond.
Cynthia Rowland’s body has been transported to the medical examiner’s office in Roanoke for an official autopsy to determine the precise cause and manner of death.
Authorities say the investigation is still ongoing, and no further details are being released at this time.
The Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be shared directly with PCSO at 434-432-7900 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-791-0044.
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