HAYSI, Va. — Authorities in Dickenson County are investigating a fatal domestic homicide after a man admitted to killing his father late Thursday night.
According to Sheriff Jeremy Fleming, a 911 call was received just before 10 p.m. from James David Gilbert, who told dispatchers that he had killed his father using a hatchet. Deputies were immediately sent to a residence on Presley Branch Road in Haysi.
When deputies arrived, they found 69-year-old Craig David Gilbert suffering from severe head injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say the injuries were consistent with the details provided during the emergency call.
James Gilbert, 44, was taken into custody without incident. He has been charged with first-degree murder and is currently being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Haysi without bond, pending further court proceedings.
The Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident. No additional details have been released at this time, and authorities have not indicated whether any other individuals were present in the home.
The case has deeply impacted the local community as investigators work to determine what led to the fatal confrontation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office.
