Suspect in Roanoke County double murder found dead by suicide: investigators

ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — The man authorities believe is responsible for a double murder in Roanoke County has been found dead: he committed suicide, police said.

Roanoke County police said they went to Pitzer Road early Monday morning where they found two bodies. Police said they were identified as 42-year-old Amanda Rae Robertson and 58-year-old Robert Michael Jackson.

Police said their investigation revealed they died from gunshot wounds. Their deaths are being investigated as homicides. Police are still awaiting the results of the coroner's report.

Police said they quickly identified a possible suspect: 27-year-old Wayne Hubert Shortt, Jr. The RCPD said they contacted the Franklin County Sheriff's Office because Shortt lives there. The RCPD said the FCSO obtained a search warrant for Hardy Road in the case.

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“Upon arrival, the residence was entered and Mr. Shortt was found deceased,” the RCPD said. “The cause of death is suspected to be suicide pending the final medical examiner's report.”

Police believe Shortt is the only suspect in the case.

“Drugs and alcohol are also believed to have played a role,” the RCPD said. “The victims and the suspect knew each other, and Ms. Robertson and Mr. Shortt had a pre-existing relationship.”

Both RCPD and FCSO are still actively investigating. RCPD thanked the Franklin County Sheriff's Office for their assistance in this case.

Police also said nearby Roanoke County schools had been placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure while police began their investigation.