2010 Eastern Shore Citizen of the Year Slain In Her Home

EXMORE – Sharone White Bailey, the 2010 Eastern Shore Citizen of the Year who was slain at her home Friday in broad daylight, was fatally stabbed, according to a report from the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office on Saturday morning also released the name of the man accused in the killing.


Derrick Demond Epps, 36, of Exmore, is charged with first degree murder, entering a dwelling house with intent to commit murder, and assault and battery of a police officer, according to Sheriff’s Office Major David Doughty.
Doughty said the office received a 1:36 p.m. emergency call for a stabbing at 11098 Occohannock Neck Road, Exmore.
When officers arrived on the scene they discovered the body of Bailey, 57, who was a part owner and clinical director for Belle Haven-based Therapeutic Interventions, a community mental health provider.
Shortly after officers arrived on the scene Epps was apprehended and charged.
He is being held at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail with bond denied.

The sheriff’s office was assisted by the Exmore Police Department, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and the Virginia State Police.
“Due to the fact that there is a continuing investigation into this matter no further information will be released at this time,” said Doughty in a prepared release.
Virginia Department of Transportation workers on Friday afternoon blocked access to Bailey's residence while authorities collected evidence at the crime scene.
Last month she was named 2010 Eastern Shore Citizen of the Year at the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce's annual meeting, held at the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club.
Jeanette Edwards, director of Human Resources and Development for Eastern Shore Rural Health System Inc., who nominated Bailey and presented her with the award, called Bailey "an extraordinary individual whose leadership skills, kind spirit and compassion create a better community for all who live, work and love the Eastern Shore."
Bailey was an active member and secretary of the Eastern Shore Rural Health Board of Directors and has spearheaded efforts through churches and agencies to raise funds for the new Onley Community Health Center.
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