ACCOMAC, VA - A tragic scene unfolded Thursday morning at the Shore Stop on Lankford Highway (Rt. 13). The Accomack County Sheriff's office say deputies were called to the scene shortly after 5:30 a.m. on March 20 on reports of a shooting victim.
Police found two victims inside the convenience store. Pradipkumar Patel, 56, of Accomac, died at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds.
The store owner, a relative of the victims, told WBOC that Pradipkumar Patel's 24-year-old daughter was the other victim.
"They come in the store, open the store and just start working and they just shot," store owner Paresh Patel said. "My cousin's wife, she is struggling for right now."
Police report that the 24-year-old woman is in critical condition from a gunshot wound. She is being treated at Norfolk General Hospital.
Accomack County Sheriffs announced late Thursday that they had made an arrest in connection with the shooting.
George Frazier Devon Wharton, 44, of Onancock is being held at the county jail without bound. Wharton is being held at the Accomack County Jail without bond on the following charges:
-1st Degree Murder
-Attempted 1st Degree Murder
-Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony (x2)
-Possession of a Firearm by a Felon
Another relative of the victims, Paul Patel, said he believes this was a senseless act of violence.
"They never had a problem with anyone ... their community says that they were so good," Paul Patel said. "They were so friendly, always smiling."
Frequent customer Athena Farlow said she has always had positive interactions at the family-owned business, when stopping with her children on their way to church.
"They were sweet ... always a hello, how are you?" Farlow said. "This isn't the Eastern Shore that I grew up on ... this is more or less pure evil."
Store owners said they plan to reopen the Shore Stop within the next few days.
Police say the incident is still under investigation and ask anyone with information to contact them at 757-787-1131.