Homicide Near Gargatha

Accomack County Sheriff’s Department officers responded at about 4 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2011, to the scene of a shooting on Lankford Highway near Gargatha.



Pictured are (from left) Godwin, Investigator
Chuck McPherson, Lt. Gerald Goga and Capt. Shane Childress
Photo By Linda Cicoira

The incident reportedly occurred in a large grassy area outside of the old Godwin’s Nursery,which was more recently being used as a church community center.

 Maj. Todd Godwin said the victim died while being transported by Parksley ambulance to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital a short time later.

The victim was identified only as a Hispanic man, pending notification of next of kin.  Officers investigated what they believe was the victim's pick-up truck, found at the scene.


Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Accomack County Sheriff's Department  at
 787-1131 or 824-5666.

Source;  http://www.easternshorepost.com/

UPDATE:  7.27.11The man shot  in a church community center  parking lot  has been identified as Belarmino Escalante, age 25. 

Escalante,  a native of Guatemala,  and had four young children.  had worked at McDonald's  in Onley and was also a chicken- catcher. 

Escalante was also a member of the Candelero de Oro Church (once Godwin's Nursery) where the shooting occurred.

Witnesses at the scene said the fatal shooting happened after about a half-dozen men who were meeting in the church parking lot to share a ride to their job as chicken- catchers were confronted by a group of young black males who asked them if they wanted to buy marijuana.

When they declined, "they just shot the guy and drove away," a witness said.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666.