Authorities arrested a man in Virginia following a murder at an Orange County residence Sunday night.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office shared a release Monday afternoon saying law enforcement in Galax, Virginia, arrested Edward Eugene Snipes and charged him with first degree murder and and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. The update from the office described Snipes, 55, as “a long-time acquaintance” of two people who were stabbed at a Tucker Trail residence on Sunday.

On Monday, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded Sunday night to an address on Tuckers Trail off Craig Road, which is close to the east border of Orange County with Durham County. A resident had called 911, saying a man arrived at their home around 10:40 p.m. seeking help for serious injuries from being stabbed. Following an investigation, the office said Snipes stabbed Lakota Franklin and his mother, Jennifer McFalls, at their residence around ten minutes prior.

According to the release, EMS transported the Franklin to the Duke University Emergency Room as he continued to bleed heavily from several wounds. Before being taken from the scene, the victim requested emergency responders check on his mother.

Edward Eugene Snipes, 55, faces charges of murder and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill. (Photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.)

The sheriff’s office said upon arrival to the other residence, deputies located McFalls in the entryway lying face down. The release describes her as also having suffered multiple stab wounds, with obvious signs of a struggle as her body lay “in a large pool of blood and had no pulse.” Medical personnel pronounced McFalls dead on scene.

On Monday, Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood said he is pleased law enforcement was able to make an arrest in the case so quickly, having developed information Snipe may have traveled to Galax shortly after responding to the initial call. He said it appears robbery was the motive for Snipes’ crimes.

“There is still a great deal of work to be done in this case, but we are pleased Mr. Snipes is in custody,” said Blackwood on Monday. “The timeline for Snipes’ return to Orange County depends on the extradition process. We appreciate the assistance of the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, the Virginia State Police, and The Galax Police Department.”

The sheriff’s office said the investigation into the stabbing is still ongoing. Anyone with any information about the Sunday incident is encouraged to call Kyle Borland, the cases lead investigator, at 919-245-2915.

Photo via the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

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