HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — A man wanted in connection with a violent domestic assault investigation in Henry County was killed Tuesday during an officer-involved shooting in a wooded area.

In an update released Wednesday, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office said the incident stemmed from an investigation that began Sunday when deputies responded around 9 a.m. to the Circle K on Virginia Avenue after receiving a report from a female victim about a domestic assault.

Deputies identified the suspect as Christopher Thomas Shepard, 35.

According to the sheriff’s office, the victim reported she had been assaulted by Shepard and that deputies later learned she had been subjected to multiple acts of violence, including physical assault, strangulation and non-consensual sexual acts.

Investigators also said Shepard used a firearm to threaten and intimidate the victim.

As a result, authorities obtained warrants charging Shepard with rape, object sexual penetration, strangulation, abduction, assault and battery of a family or household member, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

The sheriff’s office also said Shepard was wanted in North Carolina for a probation violation related to a prior violent felony conviction.

Authorities said Shepard was believed to be armed with a semi-automatic handgun and considered dangerous. Deputies began searching for him and developed information indicating he may have been hiding in a heavily wooded area near a local trailer park.

Over the next two days, deputies said they found multiple indicators suggesting Shepard remained in a large wooded area spanning several hundred acres.

On Tuesday at about 9:40 a.m., deputies received information that Shepard may have been seen entering a wooded area near Berry Hill Court.

At about 10:42 a.m., deputies, including members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team and a K-9 unit, encountered Shepard in the woods.

The sheriff’s office said deputies attempted to de-escalate the situation for about nine minutes.

During that encounter, authorities said Shepard was armed with a handgun and pointed the weapon at deputies multiple times, creating what they described as an immediate and serious threat.

In response, a deputy assigned to the SWAT team fired their weapon, striking Shepard.

The sheriff’s office said body-worn camera footage indicates Shepard and the deputy discharged their firearms nearly simultaneously.

Deputies said rendered life-saving measures, but Shepard was pronounced dead at the scene.

In accordance with standard procedure, the Virginia State Police has been asked to conduct an independent investigation into the shooting.

The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave with pay.

Sheriff Wayne Davis, “This was a dangerous and rapidly evolving situation involving an armed and violent individual. Our deputies worked diligently to locate and apprehend this suspect while prioritizing public safety. The actions taken ultimately prevented further harm to our community.”

The sheriff’s office said it extends its concern and support to the victim in the case.

The investigation remains active and ongoing.

Additional information is expected to be released by Virginia State Police as the investigation continues.

Copyright 2026 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.

---

ORIGINAL STORY — April 5

HENRY COUNTY, Va. (rbs news now) — Authorities are searching for a suspect accused of holding a woman against her will and assaulting her in Henry County, according to Sheriff Wayne Davis.

Around 9 a.m. on April 5, deputies were called to the Circle K convenience store on Virginia Avenue in reference to a woman requesting to report a domestic incident.

The victim told authorities that on April 4, her boyfriend, with whom she had been living for eight months, committed multiple acts of violence, including physical assault, strangulation, and non-consensual sexual acts, at two campers on Goffin Drive.

She further advised that her boyfriend threatened her life and used a firearm during the incident to intimidate and control her.

Deputies established probable cause and obtained warrants to conduct a search of the campers.

Authorities identified the suspect as Christopher Thomas Shepard, a 35-year-old white man from Graham, North Carolina.

Sheriff Davis told rbs news now at the scene that Shepard is believed to be a registered gang member and armed with a handgun.

“We believe he could have either been picked up from this area or he could have left on foot,” Davis said. “However, we’re still here searching this area to ensure that we don’t locate him anywhere here in the Collinsville area.”

According to the sheriff, Shepard was last believed to be wearing white Nike tennis shoes and blue jeans when the woman escaped Sunday morning.

Authorities have obtained seven warrants against Shepard, including felony rape, felony object sexual penetration, felony strangulation, felony abduction, misdemeanor domestic assault and battery, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony.

Davis also said Shepard is wanted out of North Carolina for a probation violation tied to an underlying felony assault by strangulation charge.

Davis praised the response from deputies who left Easter gatherings to respond to the call.

“The men and women of the sheriff’s office simply in dedication to this community and ensuring it stays safe, they got up and left Easter service, time away from their families, to come here to take this individual into custody and be sure he’s brought to justice and our community is kept safe,” Davis said.

The Fieldale Volunteer Fire Department and the Henry County Department of Public Safety also responded to the scene.

Anyone who sees Shepard or knows his whereabouts is asked not to approach him and instead contact the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 276-638-8751 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 276-63-CRIME.

Copyright 2026 by Romero Broadcasting System, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, rewritten, or redistributed.