Black Special Education Teacher Shot and Killed at a Gas Station in Virginia

Nationwide — Tony Demond Gill, a 46-year-old African American teacher and coach from Pittsylvania County, Virginia, was shot and killed at a gas station on July 27. Police arrested a suspect who knew him, but the motive remains unclear.

The shooting happened around 9:20 p.m. at a convenience store on West Gretna Road in Gretna. First responders from Pittsylvania County, Gretna police, and Virginia State Police arrived quickly. They found Gill dead at the scene, as reported by WLBT.

Police later arrested 52-year-old James Richard Mattox in connection with the shooting. He has been charged with murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Investigators confirmed that Mattox and Gill knew each other, but they have not released any information about what led up to the incident.

Gill was widely respected in the school and local community. He worked as a special education teacher and girls’ basketball coach at Franklin County High School. Principal Reyhan Deskins called him “mentor, role model, and friend to countless scholars, faculty members, and families within our school community.”

Mattox appeared in court the morning after the shooting. He is currently being held without bond. A bond hearing is scheduled for August, with a preliminary hearing set for September.

Gill’s body was sent to the medical examiner to determine the exact cause and manner of death. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the case to contact the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office.