A Claudville man is being held without bail in the Patrick County Jail, according to a release from the Sheriff’s Office.
William Edward “Billy” Jurney, 51, was charged Wednesday on one count each aggravated malicious wounding, robbery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Sheriff Dan Smith said in the release.
The charges stemmed from an alleged Oct. 2 malicious wounding and robbery investigation, Smith said.
Then, deputies were summoned around 10 p.m. to Blue Mountain Grocery on Ararat Highway regarding blood and clothing being found in the parking lot, according to Smith.
Authorities later learned that Homer Eugene Slate, 59, of Ararat, had been taken to Northern Surry Hospital in My. Airy, N.C., where he was being treated for multiple knife wounds/lacerations. Smith said that Slate was transferred that night to Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, N.C., due to the seriousness of his injuries.
Slate was allegedly attacked with a knife as he sat in the passenger seat of his girlfriend’s car, according to Smith. During the attack, a firearm also was allegedly taken from Slate’s possession. Smith said that Slate is disabled. He allegedly produced a handgun in an effort to protect himself.
The sheriff stated that Slate is still hospitalized and has undergone three surgeries as a result of lacerations to his leg, torso and hands.
At this point of the investigation, Smith said there is no apparent connection between the two men.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Steve Austin, investigator at (276) 694-3161.
