Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, April 22, 1994                   TAG: 9404220198
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: B3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: Todd Jackson
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

MURDER CHARGED IN SHOOTING DEATH

Curtis Deel, 45, originally charged with attempted murder, now will face first-degree murder charges in the shooting of Robert Jarrells, according to Franklin County Commonwealth's Attorney Cliff Hapgood.

Jarrells, 59, died in Roanoke Memorial Hospital early Saturday, hours after he was shot at his home in the Endicott area near Ferrum. Deel was arrested that afternoon, but his arraignment was delayed for several days because of medical reasons.

Deel, who has a Bassett address, complained of chest pains shortly after his arrest and was transported to Roanoke Memorial Hospital for treatment, said Lt. V.W. Meadors of the Franklin County Sheriff's Office. Deel was returned to the Franklin County Jail on Thursday afternoon and was arraigned around 4:30 p.m., Hapgood said.

Meadors said Deel - whom doctors diagnosed with heart disease - is likely to need additional medical treatment in the near future.

Jarrells' wife, Judy, 43, also was home when the shooting occurred. She was attacked but escaped and ran for help, Franklin County Sheriff W.Q. Overton said.

Deel is an acquaintance of Judy Jarrells, Overton said.