Alyssa Jane Venable, a 23-year-old woman from Spotsylvania, Virginia, was arrested on Thursday, June 6, 2024 in connection with the murders of her three roommates.
The arrest followed a high-speed chase in New York State, culminating in a manhunt that began when the bodies of Robert John McGuire, 77, Carol Anne Reese, 65, and Gregory Scott Powell, 60, were discovered in their Fredericksburg, Virginia home on White Street Court.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office reported that the victims were found with upper body trauma after deputies conducted a welfare check on June 4. A friend of Venable’s had requested the welfare check due to alarming statements she had made.
The Sheriff’s office stated, “After further investigation and evidence collection, it was discovered that a roommate had committed this heinous crime.” Venable was charged with three counts of second-degree murder and a firearms charge.
Venable’s grandmother, Jane Venable, expressed deep concerns about her granddaughter’s mental state before her arrest. “I pray that the authorities are looking for her as a person who is in harm’s way as well because we think she’s in harm’s way, if not from someone else but from herself,” she told WUSA9.
The arrest occurred after New York State Police troopers identified Venable’s gray Honda Civic on Interstate 86. Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but Venable refused, leading to a high-speed chase. According to police, the chase reached speeds of 100 mph before authorities deployed a tire deflation device, causing the vehicle to crash.
Trooper Lynnea Crane of the New York State Police commented on the incident: “Our troopers acted swiftly and decisively to bring the pursuit to a safe conclusion. Thankfully, no one else was injured during the chase.”
Following the crash, Venable was taken to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and then transported to Steuben County Jail. She has since waived her right to contest extradition to Virginia and will be returned to face charges.
Authorities report that last month, Venable faced assault and battery charges following a dispute at a McDonald’s where she was employed.
The investigation into the motive behind the killings remains ongoing, with authorities withholding specific details to protect the integrity of the case. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with information about the case to come forward.
The incident highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the need for early intervention in cases where individuals exhibit signs of distress.