I have a confession to make: I’ve never been much for the “true crime” genre, myself—I’m like an empathetic chameleon when it comes to feeling others’ emotional weight—but reading about the people in today’s lead story reminded me how important it is to shine a light on unsolved cases.
Many of our readers may remember hearing about several of the stories we’ve uncovered. If you have any leads, here’s a list of agencies you can report your tips to. Thanks for your time and consideration. Together, we can bring justice to the victims’ families—and I’m so glad you’re here to help.
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Johnny Rush Bowman was a Virginia state trooper. (Virginia State Police)
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By Aila Boyd
Here’s what you need know: Like most states, Virginia isn’t immune to horrific homicides and puzzling disappearances. Despite the best efforts of the authorities and amateur sleuths to identify suspects and follow up on leads, some true crime cases remain unsolved even decades after the fact.
Three unsolved crimes:
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The double homicide of Cynthia Johnson, 34, and her 7-year-old daughter Heather Johnson on Aug. 29, 1996, in South Richmond still confuses the public and police 30 years later. Virginia State Police describe it as “one of Richmond’s most horrific murders.” The mother and daughter were murdered, then their home was set on fire to cover up the crime.
- Johnny Rush Bowman, a 31-year-old trooper, was repeatedly stabbed by an unknown person in the early morning of Aug. 19, 1984, in Manassas after answering his front door. As the assailant fled on foot, Bowman’s wife called 911. Unfortunately, Bowman died after being transported to a local hospital.
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Gina Hall’s disappearance has long confused those in the New River Valley. The 19-year-old left her apartment in Radford on the night of June 28, 1980, to go to a nightclub in Blacksburg. There, she met Stephen Epperly, whom she traveled with to Claytor Lake in Pulaski County. Despite calling her sister to tell her that she would be home around 6 a.m., she never showed up.
Do you have leads? Investigators are still looking for information in these and other cases.
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One of America’s most chilling addresses is right here in Virginia.
Construction of the Williamsburg home began in 1715. Since then, dozens of residents, servants, and guests have met untimely demises within the property’s doors.
From accidental falls to unsettling illnesses reported in the past, visitors today report hearing voices and footsteps, and sensing feelings of dread.
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Willie Nelson performs during the finale at Farm Aid on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Noblesville, Ind. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP)
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By Jonny Lupsha
September and October are great times for Virginia Beach to hop out of the ocean and into some fun autumnal events, many of which offer the bonus of supporting local businesses.
Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews will perform at Farm Aid on Sept. 26 to benefit American family farmers.
Then on Oct. 18, you can support Black-owned restaurants at the Hampton Roads Black Food Festival with seafood, soul food, barbecue, burgers, and more.
Finish off the month by enjoying a boozy Halloween bar crawl through seven watering holes on the coast on Oct. 31.
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Have you shared this newsletter with a neighbor?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Amie Knowles. Amie is a lifelong Virginia resident and mom to a fantastic 8-year-old who loves Pokémon. This edition includes stories from Aila Boyd and Jonny Lupsha. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.
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