VINTON, Va. – A tragic shooting in a municipal parking lot Sunday evening has left two men dead, with a suspect now facing multiple charges, according to the Vinton Police Department.
Officers responded to a reported disturbance at 5:13 p.m. on March 2 in the rear parking lot of the Town of Vinton Municipal Building on South Pollard Street. Upon arrival, they found two men suffering from critical gunshot wounds. Despite efforts, both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have identified the deceased as 31-year-old Jeffrey Alan Catron and 29-year-old Brian Christian Sledd, both of Bedford County. The suspect, 45-year-old Jordan Daniel Pierce of Salem, was taken into custody at the scene without incident.
Incident Occurred During Custody Exchange
According to court documents, the shooting unfolded during a custody exchange at the Vinton Police Department’s safe exchange zone, an area designated to provide a secure location for parental custody handovers and e-commerce transactions.
Pierce had reportedly arrived at the site to drop off his three children with their mother when the situation escalated. Authorities allege he fired approximately 13 rounds, striking both Catron and Sledd in front of multiple witnesses, including his children, their mother, and two Roanoke County firefighters.
Court records indicate that Catron was engaged to the children’s mother, while Sledd was an acquaintance.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Pierce is now facing two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is currently being held without bond at the Roanoke County Jail.
The suspect has two scheduled court appearances: March 10 and May 22.
Authorities have assured the public that the incident was isolated, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.
Investigation Ongoing
The Vinton Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Officials have not released further details on what led to the confrontation.