20-year-old son of local Lynchburg couple arrested

• Mother killed by own son 
• Father severely wounded 
• Son taken into police custody 

The 20-year-old son of a local Lynchburg couple was arrested on Wednesday Oct. 2 for the murder of his mother and the attempted murder of his father.

132 Donald St. Home of the Wagner's 

48-year-old Bert Wagner of 134 Donald St. was found unconscious in his garage with one gunshot wound to his legs on Wednesday morning. Wagner’s wife, Dianne, was found dead in the kitchen with two gunshots to her chest. 

Police were called at 5:30 p.m. by a male neighbor explaining that he heard shots fired, and reported seeing the Wagner’s son, Ben, rushing into his white Camaro holding a gun.

Bert Wagner, a local construction worker, made a statement to the police confirming that Ben Wagner, his son, was the one who shot him and his wife. Police recovered Ben Wagner’s car at the Shell gas station on Lee Highway at 8:21 p.m. that evening.

Police found a 9mm handgun in the backseat of Ben Wagner's Camaro. Testing confirmed that the gun was used in the shooting.  Ben Wagner was taken into custody peacefully while he was buying a snack at the gas station.

“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, Randi Bennett, said.

Ben Wagner 

Bert Wagner has been admitted to Lynchburg General Hospital. Hospital spokesperson has reported that Bert is recovering after a surgery with no complications. Bert Wagner issued a statement to the public concerning the incident.

“I lost my wife and my son. Ben may still be alive but things will never be the same. I will stand by my son’s side and continue to give him the love he has always had,” Bert Wagner said.

Ben Wagner will appear in Lynchburg General District Court Monday Oct 7, 2013 represented by appointed attorney Harry Davis. Ben Wagner will face charges of one count first-degree murder, one count attempted murder and one count malicious wounding. An official trial date will be set at that hearing.

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