ROANOKE, Va. — A Grand Jury in Roanoke indicted three local men on serious criminal charges, reviving attention to past violent incidents that shook the community. The indictments, issued this Monday, involve cases of murder and robbery that had occurred between 2021 and 2022.
Eric Dwayne Swain Jr., 23, faces six felony charges including first-degree murder, robbery, aggravated malicious wounding, and three counts pertaining to the use of a firearm during the commission of a felony. These charges link back to a harrowing night on January 23, 2022. During the incidents of that evening, Tyiray Anderson was tragically shot and killed on the 500 block of 8th Street. In a related incident, Sandra Brothers was both robbed and shot on the 2900 block of Hershberger Road.
Additionally, 23-year-old Mark Lamont Gray Jr. was indicted for first-degree murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. The charges relate to the October 3 killing of Montez Hairston, who was found dead from gunshot wounds in the 3400 block of Melrose Avenue. This case had previously drawn substantial media coverage and public scrutiny due to the brazen nature of the crime.
The Grand Jury also returned an indictment against 20-year-old Nashawn Devion Smith. Smith has been charged with first-degree murder and firearm use in a felony, stemming from the September 4, 2021, incident. In this case, Hakeem Logan was the victim, found shot to death in the 300 block of Harrison Avenue. The killing not only left the Logan family bereft but also heightened concerns about gun violence in Roanoke.
The series of indictments underscore the persistent issues of violence plaguing certain neighborhoods in Roanoke, raising questions about community safety and the effectiveness of local law enforcement strategies. The cases also draw attention due to the young ages of both the suspects and the victims involved, highlighting ongoing challenges in curbing youth involvement in violent crime.
In light of these indictments, community leaders are calling for renewed efforts to tackle gun violence and to provide more support for at-risk youth. Educational programs, mental health resources, and better policing are among the measures being advocated.
Legal experts note that the journey through the court system for those accused is just beginning. The indictments mean that the Grand Jury found sufficient evidence to go to trial, not a determination of guilt. Defense attorneys for Swain, Gray, and Smith have not publicly commented on the charges, but the upcoming trials are likely to be intensely followed.
Residents of Roanoke are left hoping that these legal actions help bring justice to the victims and their families and prevent future tragedies. As the city grapples with these violent episodes, there is a collective call for peace and for solutions that address the root causes of such criminal behavior.