ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, February 18, 1997 TAG: 9702180105
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: ROCKY MOUNT
SOURCE: TODD JACKSON STAFF WRITER
The Stanley family had gained a reputation over the years in Franklin County for its moonshining exploits.
But what happened Sunday night was something altogether different.
Scott Stanley, 26, was in critical condition and hooked to a respirator at Roanoke Memorial Hospital Monday after being shot at least three times at the family's home on Virginia 40 near Rocky Mount, according to a spokesman with the Franklin County Sheriff's Office.
Bullets hit Stanley's chest area and one of his arms, sources confirmed.
William Gray "Dee" Stanley, Scott's father, was arrested Sunday night and charged with felony malicious wounding of his son.
The arrest caused quite a buzz in the community.
Franklin County Sheriff W.Q. Quint Overton said he started getting phone calls from local residents before 7 Monday morning.
"People wanted to know if it really happened," he said. "Everybody knows the Stanley boys."
"I was totally shocked," said a local lawyer who knows the family.
The Stanleys, according to several people who know them, are a tough and gritty bunch who, like many old-time moonshining families, have stuck together over the years.
"They came up the hard way," an investigator said.
Franklin County residents said they've never witnessed or heard of any serious problems between Dee and his two sons, Scott and Jason, who's 22.
Scott Stanley, due to his condition, hasn't spoken to investigators. No information about a possible motive was disclosed Monday.
Dee and Scott Stanley are believed to have been by themselves when the shooting occurred; Dee Stanley called 911 to report the incident; and a hand gun was found outside the family's home, according to Sheriff's department reports.
Stanley, 51, walked out of the Franklin County jail Monday afternoon on $25,000 bond. A family member offered property to get him out of jail, Overton said.
Stanley will be arraigned this morning. His lawyer is Bill Davis of Rocky Mount.
Davis has represented Stanley - and helped him earn several acquittals - on moonshining charges over the years, winning several acquittals. Stanley has also been convicted in the past on moonshine charges.
Davis had no comment Monday.
The Stanleys gained statewide notoriety last year when members of the family were arrested three times in two weeks and charged with hauling moonshine up the interstate.
Dee Stanley was arrested again Feb. 4 in Charlottesville and charged with transporting illegal liquor.
Scott Stanley's mother, who is now divorced from Dee Stanley, could not be reached for comment Monday.
LENGTH: Medium: 59 linesby CNB