LOUISA COUNTY, Va. – A 16-year-old has been charged with first-degree murder for killing an elderly man and shooting his wife during a home invasion in Louisa on Tuesday afternoon.
A court hearing Wednesday revealed chilling new details about the teen accused of murder and how he carried out the killing.
Prosecutors say the teen, who has not been identified, ordered the two elderly victims outside to a railroad track behind their South Spotswood Trail home with a sawed-off shotgun.
Prosecutors say the 16-year old was trying to steal the victims' car.
They say he shot 82-year-old Roger Wood Payne, Jr. in the face with the shotgun, killing him. His wife 73-year-old Nancy Payne was also shot but authorities say she survived by playing dead.
Nancy Payne was flown to UVA Medical Center for treatment of her injuries. She has undergone surgery and remains hospitalized, with further surgery forthcoming, according to the Louisa County Sheriff’s Office.
Officers responded to a report of a shooting at 1:40 p.m. at 7084 South Spotswood Trail in Gordonsville.
After discovering the couple, officers determined that the victim’s vehicle was missing from the home.
The teen was arrested in Nelson County after prosecutors say state troopers spotted the stolen vehicle.
He has been charged with first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, armed robbery, and breaking and entering to commit murder and robbery.
The teen’s father spoke after his son's court hearing today.
He says they live across the street from the Paynes and that his son was struggling with mental health issues.
"They good people, man. They always wave at you. We always waved at them. That’s why I say I still have a lot of questions,” said Andre Dickerson. “This is not my son. I know that’s not him. He’s known for helping people.”
Prosecutors say they’ve filed paperwork to try the teenager as an adult.
