Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 16, 1994 TAG: 9404180153
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TODD JACKSON and DIANE STRUZZI STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Curtis Deel, 45, was arrested without incident shortly after 5 p.m. when sheriff's deputies found him walking in a field between Ferrum and Crossroads, said Sheriff W.Q. "Quint" Overton. The citizen, who was not identified, called the Sheriff's Office and led deputies to the area where Deel was found.
Investigators found three addresses listed for Deel - one in Dickenson County, one in Bassett and another in Pittsylvania County, Overton said.
A man showed up at the home of Robert and Judy Jarrells of Route 3, Ferrum, about 11:30 a.m. Friday, according to Overton. After knocking on a side door, the man shot Robert Jarrells several times "about the head and lower body'' with a handgun when Jarrells came to answer, Overton said.
The man then went to another door, kicked in a glass pane, entered the house and subdued Judy Jarrells by wrapping a telephone cord around her neck, Overton said.
Judy Jarrells, 43, managed to free herself and run for help.
The man then stole the Jarrells' car and fled, Overton said.
Friday night, investigators were trying to piece together the motive behind the shooting. Overton said that Deel and Judy Jarrells know each other.
"At this point, we do not think [Robert] Jarrells knew Deel," the sheriff said.
Robert Jarrells, 58, was listed in critical condition Friday night in the neuro-intensive care unit at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, according to a nursing supervisor.
Deputies found the Jarrells' car in the Mac Hill area of Franklin County, said Investigator Gary Shively.
Deel was charged with attempted murder and using a gun to commit a felony, Shively said.
"I'm just glad we caught him before nightfall,'' he said.
by CNB