Locust Grove teenagers charged with murder and defilement of newborn baby
Baby killed in late July; Sofia Dyson and James Brown arrested Nov. 10
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has charged Sofia Elizabeth Dyson, 19, of Locust Grove with murdering her baby right after its birth at home on July 29. In addition to first-degree murder, Dyson is charged with willfully defiling a dead body and conspiring to willfully defile a dead body, according to the Virginia Judiciary website. Locust Grove resident James Brown, 19, has been charged with being “principal in the second degree to the murder,” according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, as well as willfully defiling a dead human body and conspiring to commit a felony. Dyson and Brown are being held at the Central Virginia Regional Jail with no bond.
According to a press release posted on Facebook, the sheriff’s office learned of the infant’s death on November 9. Court records show that Dyson and Brown were arrested the next day. The two were in Orange County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on November 11 for bond hearings, which were continued. Brown’s next court appearance is set for 2 p.m. tomorrow (Nov. 20), and Dyson’s is at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 5.
People with information related to the case are asked to call Orange County Investigator Pitts at (540) 672-1200.
Note that the release from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office words the charges against Dyson and Brown somewhat differently than what appears on the Virginia Judiciary site.
Supervisor Keith Marshall due in court tomorrow
Orange County Supervisor Keith Marshall (District 3) has a court appearance set for 10:30 a.m. tomorrow (Nov. 20) in Orange General District Court. The Unionville dairy farmer is charged with two misdemeanors: assault and battery, and public drunkenness. The Virginia State Police arrested Marshall on the evening of August 19 at the home of one of his farmworkers, on Marshall’s property.
For Byrd Street’s previous coverage of this case, see these back issues: Keith Marshall arrested for assault and battery, public intoxication (Aug. 22); “Both of them know they messed up” (Aug. 26); County releases audio of 911 call related to Supervisor Keith Marshall's arrest (Aug. 28); and Listen to 911 call preceding Supervisor Keith Marshall’s arrest (Sept. 4).
Update: Provisional ballots added to Orange County election tallies
In the previous issue of Byrd Street, I reported on the “final” tally of local votes in the 2024 election. But as Orange County Electoral Board Secretary JoAnne Speiden pointed out to me, the tally was not final until the county’s more than 300 provisional ballots were evaluated. That has now been done and valid provisional votes have been added to the count. Orange County’s percentages changed only slightly from what was previously reported—however, provisional ballots matter and are not to be overlooked in accurate reporting. I’m grateful to JoAnne for the correction, and I have added a caveat about provisional ballots to the election story in the Nov. 11 issue. (I have also corrected two misspelled names in that issue.)
A bit more about the elections: The Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP) offers a veritable warren of election facts and figures, including data at the county and precinct level. Among the many interesting facts to nibble on: VPAP states that the 2024 voter turnout in Orange County was 74%, whereas in 2020 (the previous presidential election year), it was 78%. The VPAP site indicates that only four Virginia localities had a higher turnout this year than in 2020: Harrisonburg, Radford and Lexington cities and Montgomery County.
OCHS Drama Club heads to regional competition
I received a nice note the other day from Orange County High School teacher, drama club adviser and director, Robert Kristel, who wrote that “the OCHS Drama Club brought Shakespeare's ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ to compete at the VHSL 4D North Sub-Regional One-Act Competition on November 9 at Millbrook High School. OC took second place and advanced to regionals for the first time in five years.”
Kristel continued, “OC was led by an incredible senior class, especially Michael Clay Jr., who was one of only four actors to receive an Outstanding Actor Award. We were praised for our diction, set, costumes, acting, comedy and especially our understanding of the text through extensive script analysis. Regionals will occur at Charlottesville High School on November 23.” Congrats to all!
You can catch the talented young actors on their home stage Friday night—see the event listing below.
Furry friends blessed at Emmanuel Episcopal
On a recent Sunday morning, the Rev. Michael Gray of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Rapidan blessed the beautiful animals that arrived on the church grounds alongside their smiling humans. Picture the sunshine, the pleasure of walking one’s dog to church and the warmth of this kind and gentle occasion.
Coming up soon
Fall One-Act Plays, including “Much Ado About Nothing,” Orange County High School, $5 admission, 7 p.m., Friday, Nov. 22
Fifth Saturday Open Mic and Jam, Waddell Presbyterian Church, Rapidan, potluck supper, 6 p.m.; music (gospel, bluegrass, musician’s choice), 7-9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30
Orange County personal property and second half of real estate taxes due, Thursday, Dec. 5
Upcoming Christmas/holiday events
Holiday Bazaar, Orange Presbyterian Church, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23
Gordonsville Christmas Memorial Tree Lighting, Town Hall, 5:45 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 1
Orange Rotary Christmas Parade and Memorial Tree, 4:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 7
Holiday Village with Santa, Train Station, 122 E. Main St., Orange, 12-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14
40th annual Singing Christmas Tree, Orange Baptist Church, 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, and Sunday, Dec. 15
“Messiah” Sing-Along (Part 1), St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Orange, conducted by the Rev. Alan Miller, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17
For inclusion in Byrd Street, send your event listings to hwholladay@gmail.com.
Obituaries
Dwayne Willis “Whistle” Brown, 64, Orange; Donald “Donnie” Clore Shifflett, 67, Unionville; Howard Kemper “Kim” Carpenter Jr., 70, Somerset; Audrey Rene Madison Glass, 91, Barboursville; Samuel Oni Torrence, 63, Rhoadesville.
Recent back issues
What’s Black and White and red all over? (Nov. 11)
Election night edition: Town Council results are in (Nov. 6)
Great turnout and blue skies make for a fine day at the Montpelier Races (Nov. 5)
Supervisors Van Hoven and Marshall usher son, nephew, onto planning commission (Nov. 2)
How about a story on why Main St Orange still has no coffee shop despite a long hanging sign in a store front. Is it a tease? Most folks love a coffee shop (visit Culpeper's on Davis St). When we travel we always look for one in small towns. Joan B