Star News Roanoke, 909 Commonwealth Boulevard, Martinsville, VA (2025)

12/10/2025

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. — A former pastor has pleaded guilty to federal charges after being accused of s*xually grooming a minor online.

Jacob Barnett, 34, was arrested in August following an FBI investigation launched after the mother of a 15-year-old girl reported finding s*xually explicit images her daughter had exchanged with a man she met on TikTok.

According to federal court documents, Barnett followed hundreds of teenage girls on social media, and investigators say additional victims are possible.

Barnett was originally charged with attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, along with s*xual exploitation of a minor. Authorities have not yet released details on which charges he pleaded guilty to on Monday.

If convicted on the initial charges, Barnett could face up to 10 years in federal prison.

12/09/2025

BREAKING NEWS: Two People Killed in Bedford County Crash

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. — Virginia State Police are investigating a deadly single-vehicle crash that occurred Friday night along Stewartsville Road.

The crash was reported at approximately 7:21 p.m., just north of Afton Meadow Road. According to authorities, a pickup truck veered off the roadway and collided with a utility pole.

Both occupants of the truck were pronounced dead at the scene. State Police confirmed that both individuals were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The investigation is ongoing, and no additional details have been released.

Our condolences go out to the families and loved ones impacted by this tragedy.

12/09/2025

Suspect Competent; Mental-State Review at Time of Attack Still Underway

A court-ordered evaluation has found that Shotsie Michael Buck-Hayes, the man accused of setting Danville City Council member Lee Vogler on fire, is competent to stand trial.

Clinical psychologist Rebecca Vauter told the court she is still awaiting medical records from multiple hospitals before completing her assessment of Buck-Hayes’ mental state at the time of the July 30 attack.

Buck-Hayes faces five charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and breaking and entering while armed with a deadly weapon. Police say he admitted to the crime, telling investigators his intent was to kill Vogler.

Defense attorney Edward Lavado requested the evaluation in October, citing concerns about his client’s ability to understand the proceedings and assist in his defense.

Vauter’s preliminary findings state that Buck-Hayes understands the charges, the legal process, and the potential consequences if convicted. She concluded he has the capacity to work with his attorney, though she noted he may need additional guidance as the case continues.

12/06/2025

🚨 Salem Police Asking for Public’s Help
Salem Police are looking to identify a woman connected to an assault reported on November 16 in the 1500 block of East Main Street.
According to police, the woman was captured in images from the incident and is described as wearing a red top with brown and blonde hair.
Investigators are asking anyone who may recognize her or have information that could help identify her to come forward.

12/06/2025

The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the whereabouts of 33-year-old Anthony Joseph Bullins II. Anthony Joseph Bullins II is a registered s*x offender that has failed to report and verify his address. Anthony Joseph Bullins II is entered NCIC (National Crime Information Center) as wanted with in state extradition. Anthony Joseph Bullins II is a white male, 5’10” 160 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes (see photo). Anthony Joseph Bullins II last known address is 313 S. Market St. Madison, NC. Anyone with any information on Mr. Bullins is requested to contact the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office at 336-634-3232, 911, or Crimestoppers at 336-349-9683

12/02/2025

BLACKSBURG, Va. — A late-night blaze tore through the Foxridge Apartment Complex on Monday, forcing residents from their homes and leaving significant damage across multiple units.

The Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department responded to the complex around 10 p.m., arriving to find heavy flames shooting from the second and third floors and extending through the roof.

“The roof is burned off a majority of this building,” Fire Chief Drew Smith said at the scene. “There is significant damage to all three, or all four apartments on the third floor.”

All residents had safely evacuated before firefighters arrived, officials said, though it remains unclear how many people were inside at the time.

Several displaced tenants were relocated overnight to motel rooms at a nearby Virginia Tech inn while crews continued working to contain the fire and assess the damage. The cause remains under investigation.

12/01/2025

AMHERST COUNTY, Va. — Several people are without a home after an early morning house fire in Amherst County.

Fire crews were called to a residence on Moorman Drive around 2:30 a.m. Monday. When units arrived, they found the home already heavily involved, with flames spreading quickly through multiple rooms.

Authorities say everyone inside was able to get out safely, but the home sustained significant damage, leaving the occupants displaced as investigators work to determine what sparked the blaze. Firefighters remained on scene for several hours to extinguish hotspots and secure the structure.

The Amherst County Department of Public Safety is coordinating with the Red Cross to assist the affected family. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

12/01/2025

SHOOTING

GREENSBORO, N.C. — A man is dead following a shooting in Greensboro on Wednesday afternoon, according to the Greensboro Police Department.

Officers, along with firefighters and EMS crews, were called to a home on Rainbow Drive shortly after 5 p.m. for a report of gunfire. When first responders arrived, they found 40-year-old Delorean Nickerson suffering from a gunshot wound.

Despite efforts by medical personnel, Nickerson was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 5:20 p.m.

Police said that “all involved parties” connected to the shooting have been identified. Investigators remained on scene for several hours interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and working to determine what led to the deadly encounter.

The department has not yet released information regarding potential charges or the relationship between those involved. Detectives say the investigation is active, and additional details will be provided as they become available.

Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Greensboro Police or submit a tip through Crime Stoppers.

12/01/2025

CARROLL COUNTY, Va. — Emergency crews responded to a massive multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 77 early Sunday morning that left one person dead and several others injured, according to Hillsville Fire.

The crash was reported around 5:09 a.m. on Nov. 30 at the 8-mile marker on I-77 North. Hillsville Fire, Cana Fire, and Carroll Fire Rescue were dispatched after reports of multiple passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers involved in collisions caused by icy road conditions.

When command staff arrived, they found a chaotic scene stretching across the interstate, with damage ranging from minor to severe. One person was trapped in a vehicle and had to be extricated; despite rescue efforts, the individual died at the scene.

EMS crews transported several other patients with non-life-threatening injuries to nearby hospitals.

Fire officials said units remained on scene for several hours, working with multiple tow companies to remove damaged vehicles and reopen the roadway. Galax Fire assisted by handling additional emergency calls along I-77 while local crews were committed to the crash response.

Also responding were Pipers Gap Rescue, the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia State Police, who are investigating the cause of the crash.

Hillsville Fire expressed gratitude to all mutual aid partners, noting that the coordinated response was essential during the large-scale incident.

11/30/2025

The official ribbon cutting for Danville's newest LOVE sign, located at Caesars Virginia!
➡️ Celebratory remarks included Chris Albrecht of Caesars Virginia, Rita McClenny of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, and Lisa Meriwether, Visit SoSi Tourism Manager.
➡️ Click here to learn more about tourism in Southern Virginia: www.visitsosi.com.

11/30/2025

Anyone who has spent time in Roanoke knows that the Chick-fil-A in Bonsack is home to one of the region’s most impressive Christmas light displays. Each year, the hillside is transformed by more than 100,000 lights, creating a glowing holiday landmark that draws families from across the valley.

11/30/2025

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, N.C. — The Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a tragic incident in which a man died after falling into an active fire pit early Saturday morning.
According to a press release, deputies were called to the 300 block of Brushy Mountain Road in Stoneville at approximately 12:11 a.m. for a report of a deceased person. When they arrived, they discovered 47-year-old Kenneth Dalton in the backyard of the residence with severe burns across his body.
Officials say their investigation determined that Dalton accidentally fell into an active fire pit and sustained fatal injuries. Deputies and emergency medical personnel confirmed he died at the scene.
The Sheriff’s Office reports that, at this stage of the investigation, no foul play is suspected. Deputies continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident, but evidence gathered so far points to a tragic accident.
Authorities have not released further details, and the investigation remains ongoing.

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