FLOYD COUNTY, Va. (WFXR) – After almost 22 years of investigating, police finally had a breakthrough in the case of who killed Richard Palmer of Floyd County. Officers did not share any specific information, but they hope to release it as early as next week.
According to Eric Branscom, the Floyd County Commonwealth’s Attorney, the suspect is a male and is already in custody for unrelated crimes.
On April 22, 2003, the remains of Palmer and his dog Rufus were found in his pickup truck on 12th 1/2 street southwest, near Perry Park in Roanoke. A preliminary investigation determined he was transported there from his home in Riner.
Officials said it took years of investigation to get them to where they are now.
“This was a puzzle that had many pieces to it, and the foundation was built in the original investigation and the secondary investigation that took place about 10 years ago or more,” senior special agent Douglas R. Hubert with the Virginia State Police said. “A lot of those pieces were all put in there.”
Palmer’s sister Beth Burbage said while this update does provide the family some closure, it still does not bring her brother back.
“We don’t seek revenge, but we would like to see whoever did this to stay in prison for the rest of their lives,” she said. “That would be justice for us.”
Shannon Zeman is a former sheriff of Floyd County, and the chief deputy at the time of the case, and he got to know Palmer’s family well.
He said he had a feeling someday, this day would come, and is thankful it finally did.
“It really makes me feel good,” Zeman said. “Virginia State Police and the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office always worked as a team, and they’re continuing to do that for the safety of this community.”
We will keep you updated when we get specifics on the case, including the suspect’s name.