One year ago ... murder at The Homestead

The Homestead Resort

It was March 23, 2009 -- one year ago today -- when shots rang out in The Homestead's kitchen as employee Beacher Hackney allegedly shot and killed two co-workers.

It was a busy Saturday night at the upscale resort ... the kitchen was bustling ... and the shooting took place just feet from guests eating in the formal dining room who were unaware of what was going on nearby.

The western mountains of Virginia suddenly became the scene of a massive manhunt as authorities searched for Beacher Hackney. He has not been seen since.

Where is the Homestead Murderer?

Did he escape into the rugged mountains and make his way into West Virginia? Did he end up 20 miles away at I-64 and escape to points unknown? He was a known loner but could an accomplice have helped him escape?

There are more questions than answers. Bath County Sheriff’s Department’s lead investigator Noel Dunnagan said recently that he felt the murderer was still alive, according to the Lynchburg News & Advance:

“At this time we’re still collecting leads from America’s Most Wanted,” said Bath County Sheriff, Larry Norfleet.

The story has aired several times and has brought in dozens of leads, but none of which have lead to the suspect, so after a while you have to wonder is he still alive.

“I still think he’s alive,” said Norfleet. “Due to the fact that he had a hermit nature, you know, he could certainly exist inside for sometime as long has he had supplies.”

So where did Beacher Hackney go?

Cross-posted at SWAC Girl, Virginia Virtucon, SixtyFour81.com

Gubernatorial debate Saturday at the Homestead

Beautiful Homestead resort in western Virginia.

Political eyes will turn toward western Virginia this weekend as the gubernatorial candidates meet for the annual Virginia Bar Association debate at the Homestead in Hot Springs.

Bob McDonnell (R) and Creigh Deeds (D) will continue in the summer tradition of prominent candidates debating the issues before an audience of Virginia lawyers and the public. The event is always entertaining and the setting encourages political junkies to make room on their calendars to attend.

This will be the first meetup between Mr. McDonnell and Mr. Deeds since the June Democratic primary. While Mr. McDonnell has proposed a series of 10 debates between now and election day, Mr. Deeds has agreed to only four.

Bloggers United had invited both candidates to attend at its annual event, debating one another in the presence of political bloggers from across the Commonwealth. Mr. McDonnell agreed; Mr. Deeds declined.

Since Mr. Deeds appears to be a reluctant debater, there may not be many opportunities to observe him discussing issues with Mr. McDonnell so this weekend is especially important.

Saturday, July 25, 11:00 a.m. at the Homestead. I will be there blogging the event.

Bob McDonnell for Governor

Cross-posted at SixtyFour81.com
Cross-posted at SWAC Girl