SON KILLS MOTHER, WOUNDS FATHER

Son Kills Mother, Wounds Father

A local 20-year-old male was arrested and charged with the murder of his mother and attempted murder of his father in the family’s home in the early evening of March 6.

A neighbor reported hearing gunshots and seeing Ben Wagnar leave the 134 Donald St. home with a gun. The neighbor called 911 at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday after seeing Wagnar drive off in a white Chevrolet Camaro.

Police arrived at the Wagnar residence to find the body of Diane Wagnar, 54, in the kitchen. Two gunshots had passed through the mother’s chest. Burt Wagnar, 48, was found unconscious on the garage floor with a gunshot wound to the leg.

Following the police’s arrival at the Donald St. residence, an all-points bulletin was issued on Ben Wagnar’s car. Police found Wagnar at 8:21 p.m. buying a snack at the Shell gas station on Lee Highway. He was arrested peacefully.

“We are confident we have the one and only suspect behind bars for this crime. All the evidence we have collected points to him being the only suspect,” Police detective Bennett says.

Investigators found a 9 mm handgun in the backseat of Ben Wagnar’s car. Tests will determine if the gun is the confirmed murder weapon.

Burt Wagnar was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital where is expected to be released soon.

The Lynchburg father reports that his son shot him when he returned home from work. The reason for Ben Wagnar’s actions are unknown.

Ben Wagnar is an employee at Burger King. His mother, Diane Wagnar, worked at a local daycare. Burt Wagnar, father, is employed by Lynchburg Construction Company.

A neighbor describes Ben Wagnar as a nice boy and claims that the Wagnars were good people who kept to themselves. Burt Wagnar states he will continue to love his son despite the events.

Ben Wagnar will appear in Lynchburg General District Court March 12 to face charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and malicious wounding. The court appointed Attorney Harry Davis to represent Wagnar.