Star News Bassett, VA

01/12/2025

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.

29/11/2025

FATAL CRASH KILLS 2 TEENAGERS

BURLINGTON, N.C. — A family is grieving after two 16-year-old girls were killed in a Thanksgiving morning crash in Alamance County.
State troopers say the crash happened around 4:44 a.m. on NC-62 near Friendship Patterson Mill Road. Investigators report that a Dodge pickup was headed south at a high rate of speed when it crossed the center line, ran off the left side of the road and hit a pole shed. The impact caused the truck to roll several times, ejecting at least three of the teens inside.
The driver survived, but two passengers — Naraya Benjamin, 16, of Greensboro, and Briahna Victoria McCain, 16, of Liberty — died from their injuries.
Family members say the truck was being driven by Nyshalyn McCain, the sister of Briahna. Their parents, Crystal Boycher and Dante McCain, say all six teens had been at their home the night before. They went to bed early, and at some point afterward, the teens left the house.
“We’re just taking it day by day,” Boycher said. “We are holding each other down.”
Dante added, “I’m at a loss for words. I don’t know how to feel about it.”
Four other teens, ages 15 to 18, were hurt in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.

28/11/2025

Retired Senior Virginia State Trooper Jerry W. Tiller
August 2, 1950 - November 23, 2025

Retired Senior Virginia State Trooper Jerry W. Tiller

Retired Senior Virginia State Trooper Jerry W. Tiller, 75, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away on November 23, 2025, at Sovah Health – Martinsville. He was born on August 2, 1950, in Grundy, Virginia, to the late Leonard Tiller and Dolly Presley Tiller. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Velvie Tiller, Mabel Davis, Norma Dodson, and Nadine Keen; and his brothers, Harold Tiller and Homer Tiller.

A proud graduate of Grundy High School, Jerry furthered his education by earning two associate degrees from Patrick Henry Community College and Danville Community College. He was a member of Gospel Baptist Church.

Jerry honorably served the Commonwealth as a State Trooper with the Virginia State Police for over 22 years, a career distinguished by dedication, courage, and unwavering integrity. Following his service, he continued his commitment to hard work as a manager with Martin Landing for 14 years. He was also a devoted member of the Virginia State Police Association, Amvets, and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP).

Jerry was married to his devoted wife, Karen M. Tiller, for 49 years. Along with his wife, he is survived by one brother, Horace Tiller; his special daughter, Karen S. Doyle; his niece, Teresa Thomasson; special grandchildren, Chip Doyle, Trinity Doyle, and Sebastian Doyle; his best friend of 50 years of Mike McPeek; and his special friend, Paul T. Kennedy Jr.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Critical Care Unit Nursing Staff at Sovah Health, Paul T. Kennedy Jr., the staff of Bassett Funeral Service, members of Area 42 State Police, and Karen S. Doyle for their kindness, care, and support.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, by visiting, https://donorservices.alz.org and the Virginia State Police Association, https://vspa.org/donation.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Bassett Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Emtombment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park with full Virginia State Police honors.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.bassettfuneralservice.com.
Bassett Funeral Service is honored to serve the Tiller Family.

20/11/2025

MOWER MOVE

20/11/2025

The Patrick County Board of Supervisors is announced that the Appalachian Power Foundation has awarded a $35,000 grant to DeHart Park – Stuart Park and Recreation Association to support the construction of new ADA-compliant bathrooms!

DeHart Park’s volunteers have worked tirelessly to raise funds for this essential project and you can help them cross the finish line!
Join us at this year’s Festival of Lights, December 13–23, and be part of the celebration.

18/11/2025

Shooting Incident Under Investigation in Martinsville
Martinsville, VA – The Martinsville Police Department is actively investigating a shooting incident that occurred on the evening of Monday, November 17, 2025, near the intersection of Spruce Street and Finley Street.

Incident Details
At approximately 7:38 PM, Martinsville Police officers were dispatched to the vicinity following reports of gunfire. Upon arriving at the scene, officers secured the area and located evidence of the incident, specifically multiple spent cartridge casings.

Shortly after the initial call, a victim, identified as a 42-year-old Martinsville man, presented at the SOVAH Health Martinsville emergency room with a gunshot wound sustained during the incident.

Investigation and Victim Status
Police investigators processed the scene, collecting the physical evidence left behind, and proceeded to interview the victim at the hospital. The victim received medical treatment for the wound and was subsequently released from the hospital.

At this time, no arrests have been made, and no charges have been filed in connection with the shooting. The Martinsville Police Department confirms the investigation is active and ongoing, with detectives working to determine the circumstances leading up to the gunfire and identify any potential suspects.

Appeal for Information
The Martinsville Police Department is urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or who possesses any information relevant to the case, to come forward.

To provide information, please contact:

Martinsville Police Department: (276) 403-5300

Crime Stoppers: (276) 63CRIME (276-632-7463)

Crime Stoppers is an anonymous tip line, ensuring caller confidentiality. Information provided through Crime Stoppers may be eligible for a monetary reward of up to $2,500.

18/11/2025

18/11/2025

Breaking
Martinsville Police Chief Chad Rhoads tells Star News: "Yes. One male shot. He is conscious. Not expected to be life threatening. Investigators are there and working on it. Hope to have an update in the morning." I believe this took place somewhere in the area of Spruce and Parkview.

18/11/2025

Accident in Patrick Spriings

Squad 23 responded to a motor vehicle crash within its first-due area. Immediately after clearing that call, Squad 23 was dispatched with Company 26 (Town of Stuart) to another motor vehicle crash involving an overturned tractor-trailer. All patients had exited the vehicles prior to the arrival of emergency units.

17/11/2025

MISSING?
SMYTH COUNTY, Va. — A Senior Alert has been issued for a missing Smyth County man, according to Virginia State Police. The alert was activated Sunday, November 16 at 2:20 p.m. on behalf of the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities are searching for 65-year-old Timothy Whitehead, who was last seen on Saturday, November 15 at approximately 12:00 p.m. in the 100 block of Ridgefield Drive in Marion. Whitehead is described as a white male, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 131 pounds, with blue eyes and gray hair.
Police say he was possibly wearing a brownish/gray shirt paired with khaki or green pants when he was last observed. Investigators believe he is traveling on foot.
According to law enforcement, Whitehead suffers from a cognitive impairment, and his disappearance is considered a credible threat to his health and safety. Search efforts are ongoing, and additional resources may be deployed as needed.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the Smyth County Sheriff’s Office at (276) 783-7204 immediately.

17/11/2025

The City of Martinsville has officially dressed up its iconic, newly renovated Big Chair just in time for the 2025 Martinsville and Henry County Christmas Parade. Festive decorations now wrap the beloved landmark, adding an extra touch of holiday spirit to Uptown. The Big Chair—already a favorite spot for photos—has become an even brighter centerpiece for residents and visitors as the community gears up for one of the area’s most anticipated annual traditions.

16/11/2025

HELLO