As previously reported, Botetourt County sheriff deputies responded to the Glen Wilton Park and Ride along Botetourt Road (Route 220) on October 8 to find a deceased female, later identified as Elizabeth Hensley of Roanoke, lying in the gravel lot from an apparent gunshot wound.
The body of Hensley was transported to the medical examiner’s office in Roanoke where an autopsy was performed, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
“The tireless work of our detectives has resulted in a successful conclusion of this homicide investigation,” said Sheriff Matt Ward in a recent press release. “While we are disturbed by the findings in this case, we are pleased to announce we have identified the suspect in Elizabeth’s murder.”
Photos courtesy of Botetourt Sheriff’s Office
Matthew Griffin, 47, of Roanoke has been identified as the suspect in Hensley’s murder.
On October 24, Botetourt County detectives obtained a search warrant to search a home on Vulcan Street in Clifton Forge. They were assisted by the Virginia State Police Special Operations Division Tactical Team, the Clifton Forge Police Department, and the United States Marshal’s Service.
The warrant was executed, and Griffin was taken into custody for an outstanding warrant for violation of probation. During the search a firearm and ammunition of the same make and caliber used in the homicide was recovered. The gun and ammunition have been sent to the Virginia Department of Forensic Science’s lab in Roanoke for forensic and ballistic examination. After the execution of the search warrant, Griffin was transported to the magistrate where he was served with the outstanding violation of probation warrant and ordered held without bond at the Botetourt-Craig Regional Jail.
On November 2, Botetourt detectives obtained a warrant charging Griffin with second degree murder. He was served that warrant at the Botetourt-Craig Regional Jail and continues to be held without bond. Detectives confirm more charges are forthcoming in the near future as the investigation continues.
“Our detectives did an outstanding job investigating this brutal murder,” Ward continued. “They have worked diligently since the beginning to uncover the necessary evidence and information needed to make an arrest and bring this heinous crime to a close.
“Whether you come from outside the area, like this alleged suspect, or not, these crimes will not be tolerated in Botetourt County, and we will use every resource available to bring these cases to a successful conclusion. I would like to personally thank the victim’s family and the citizens of Botetourt County for their patience and support as we have worked to bring this case to a close.”
The collaboration of law enforcement partners, Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office, Bath County Sheriff’s Office, Clifton Forge Police Department, Rockbridge County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, United States Marshal’s Service made this arrest possible, he said.
~ Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office