LOUISA COUNTY, Va. -- A 17-year-old plead guilty Friday to killing an elderly man and shooting his wife during a home invasion in Louisa County.
Cameryn Anthony Dickerson pleaded guilty to first degree murder, malicious wounding, robbery, burglary, and other firearm charges in connection to the crimes in November 2019.
Dickerson, who was tried as an adult, faces three life sentences and an additional 25 years when he formally sentenced on November 10, 2020.
“This atrocity shocked our community and devastated the Payne family. We hope they can find peace now that we brought man’s justice today," said Commonwealth’s Attorney Rusty McGuire.
Prosecutors say the teen went to the home of his neighbors, Roger and Nancy Payne, on November 10, 2019, under an alias alleging his girlfriend had been abducted.
Authorities believe he was actually scouting out the home.
Dickerson returned two days later and told the couple everything was fine with his girlfriend.
Prosecutors say the teen left, then returned in different clothing and carrying a sawed-off shotgun, telling the couple he had been watching them and knew they had money.
Prosecutors say the teen ordered the elderly couple outside to a railroad track behind their South Spotswood Trail home with the sawed-off shotgun, then shot them at point-blank range.
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 shot in the throat but authorities say she survived by playing dead.
The teen was arrested in Nelson County after prosecutors say state troopers spotted the couple's stolen vehicle.
Prosecutors say Dickerson used some of their stolen money to purchase gifts for his girlfriend and was on his way to see her when deputies caught him. The murder weapon was found in the trunk of the vehicle.
The teen’s father spoke with CBS 6 last year, saying his son was struggling with mental health issues.
“This is not my son. I know that’s not him. He’s known for helping people," said said Andre Dickerson after a court hearing last year.
Outside the courtroom Friday, Andre Dickerson told CBS 6 reporter Jon Burkett that he wanted to apologized to the Payne family for his sons actions.
He added that he felt responsible for his son's actions because he was working all of the time as a single dad.
Stay with CBS 6 for the latest on this developing story.
