INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY INTO A HOMICIDE IN ACCOMACK COUNTY ON THURSDAY
Accomack County, VA - Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred early Thursday morning, resulting in one man's death and leaving a woman in critical condition. The incident took place at 23135 Lankford Highway in Accomack, Virginia.
At approximately 5:31 a.m. on March 20, 2025, the Eastern Shore Emergency Operations Center notified the Accomack County Sheriff's Office about a male victim suffering from an apparent gunshot wound in the 23000 block of Lankford Highway in Accomack, Virginia. Upon arrival, deputies discovered two victims inside the building.
The male victim, identified as 56-year-old Pradipkumar Ratilal Patel from Accomack, Virginia, was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene due to gunshot wounds. His body has been transported to the Norfolk Medical Examiner's Office for an official determination of the cause of death.
A 24-year-old female victim, also from Accomack, was found with gunshot wounds and was airlifted by Maryland State Police Trooper 7 to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.
Following the investigation, authorities obtained warrants for George Frazier Devon Wharton, a 44-year-old resident of Onancock, Virginia, in connection with the shooting.
Wharton has been taken into custody and is currently held at the Accomack County Jail without bond.
He faces multiple charges, including:
- First-Degree Murder
- Attempted First-Degree Murder
- Two counts of Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony
- Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
The Accomack County Sheriff's Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Virginia State Police, the Parksley Volunteer Fire Department, and the Accomack County Department of Public Safety. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive for the shooting.
The investigation is ongoing, and officials encourage anyone with information about the incident or other related crimes to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131 or (757) 824-5666. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through designated channels.
Disclaimer: This article contains content regarding an individual formally charged with a crime or traffic violation. It is important to underline that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The details mentioned in this article reflect the current stage of the legal proceedings and are not meant to imply or conclude guilt or innocence.
