Roanoke Police Seek Thomas Delp in Connection with Deadly Shooting of 27-Year-Old Hunter Orlando
Roanoke Police Seek Thomas Delp in Connection with Deadly Shooting of 27-Year-Old Hunter Orlando and Injured Male Victim at Fallon Park; Authorities Continue Search for Suspect After Friday Morning Tragedy in Southeast Roanoke
ROANOKE, Va. — In a tragic incident that has shaken the Southeast Roanoke community, local authorities are urgently searching for Thomas Delp, 38, in connection with the deadly shooting of 27-year-old Hunter Orlando on the morning of May 10, 2025. Delp is wanted on charges of second-degree murder after Orlando’s life was taken in a violent confrontation that occurred shortly before dawn. The shooting also resulted in the injury of another male victim, who was found at nearby Fallon Park, though his injuries were reportedly non-life-threatening.
The events unfolded at approximately 4:09 a.m., when the Roanoke Police Department received reports of gunfire in the area surrounding the 1300 block of Jamison Avenue SE. Emergency responders arrived swiftly to find Orlando, a local resident, lying on the sidewalk with apparent gunshot wounds. Despite immediate attempts by paramedics to resuscitate him, Orlando was tragically pronounced dead at the scene, leaving a community devastated by the loss of a young life.
Investigators, combing through evidence at the crime scene, later determined that a second male victim had been shot, but he was found at Fallon Park, a nearby location. This second individual, whose identity has not been disclosed at the time of the report, was treated for gunshot wounds that were fortunately not life-threatening, although they were significant enough to require medical attention. Authorities believe this second victim was caught in the same violent altercation, although it remains unclear how he was involved.
In the wake of this violent shooting, the Roanoke Police Department issued a statement identifying Thomas Delp as the primary suspect. Delp, who is described as 38 years old, is now being sought for questioning in relation to the crime. According to authorities, he is considered a person of interest in the investigation and has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Orlando’s death. In addition, Delp faces charges related to the assault on the second victim, though further details about the nature of these charges have yet to be disclosed.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen something or has information about the shooting to come forward. The Roanoke Police Department has set up a hotline for tips and is working tirelessly to locate Delp, whose whereabouts remain unknown at this time. Police have warned that Delp should be considered dangerous, and anyone who sees him is advised not to approach him, but instead to immediately contact the authorities.
The Search for Justice and the Search for Delp
As the investigation continues, the Roanoke Police Department has stressed the importance of community cooperation. Detectives are piecing together evidence from the crime scene, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage in an effort to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting and the role that Thomas Delp played in this tragic incident.
Delp, who is now believed to be at large, has become a central figure in this ongoing investigation. While details about his background remain sparse, police have emphasized that he should be considered armed and dangerous. As the investigation into the shooting unfolds, questions about Delp’s motivations and the events leading up to the shooting have raised concerns for residents of Southeast Roanoke.
The shooting death of Hunter Orlando has left his family, friends, and community members grieving the loss of a young man whose life was tragically cut short. A resident of Roanoke, Orlando was known to have a bright future ahead of him. His family has spoken out, expressing shock and heartbreak over the untimely death of their loved one. While police have not yet commented on any potential relationship between Orlando and Delp, the investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests.
The second victim, whose identity has been withheld by authorities, is reportedly recovering from his injuries after being treated at a local hospital. Although his injuries were not deemed life-threatening, the trauma of being caught in such a violent incident has left him shaken. Investigators are working to determine how this individual was involved in the shooting and whether he might have been a target or an innocent bystander.
A Community in Shock
Residents of Southeast Roanoke, where the shooting occurred, have been left stunned by the violence that erupted in their neighborhood. The normally peaceful area has been thrown into turmoil, with many neighbors expressing disbelief that such a deadly altercation could happen so close to home. Local leaders have called for increased vigilance and urged residents to report any suspicious activity, promising that the police will continue to work diligently to bring the perpetrator to justice.
“This is a tragedy that has affected us all,” said Roanoke Mayor, Jillian McKinney, in a statement released shortly after the incident. “Our hearts go out to the family of Hunter Orlando and to all those impacted by this senseless act of violence. We will not rest until we find those responsible and bring them to justice.”
The incident also has raised concerns about rising violence in Roanoke, as some residents and community advocates have pointed out an increase in gun-related crimes in the region in recent years. Although this particular shooting appears to be an isolated event, it has nonetheless ignited fears that the community may be facing a growing problem with gun violence.
In response to these concerns, local police officials have pledged to increase patrols and continue their efforts to curb crime in Roanoke. “Our officers are working around the clock to ensure that Roanoke remains a safe place to live and work,” said Police Chief, Robert Simmons, during a press conference. “We are committed to finding Thomas Delp and holding him accountable for his actions. We will not let this senseless violence go unanswered.”
The Ongoing Investigation
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Jamison Avenue SE or Fallon Park around the time of the shooting to come forward with information. Investigators are also asking for any surveillance footage from nearby businesses or homes that might capture important details about the events leading up to the shooting.
Police are actively following leads and are working closely with the Roanoke City Crime Stoppers to encourage tips from the public. The department has offered a cash reward for information that leads to Delp’s arrest. As of now, Delp is still at large, and the investigation into his whereabouts is ongoing.
While authorities have not disclosed all of the details about the shooting, they have emphasized that they are treating the case as a priority and are devoting significant resources to solving it. Detectives are working with regional law enforcement agencies to track down Delp, whose whereabouts remain unknown. His name has been widely circulated in local and regional news outlets, and authorities are hopeful that the public will provide valuable information that will lead to his capture.
A Call for Justice
The search for Thomas Delp continues to grip the community as authorities work tirelessly to bring justice to Hunter Orlando’s family. Friends and family members of Orlando have gathered in memory of their loved one, holding vigils and participating in peaceful protests calling for justice.
“It’s hard to believe this is happening,” said a close friend of Orlando’s, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “Hunter was one of the most kind-hearted people I’ve ever known. No one deserves to die like this. We just want to see justice for him.”
As the search for Delp intensifies, the Roanoke community remains united in their desire for answers and accountability. The tragic death of Hunter Orlando has sparked a wave of support for his family, and local leaders continue to promise that they will not rest until those responsible for his death are held accountable.
Authorities are continuing to encourage the public to report any information regarding Delp’s whereabouts or any details about the shooting itself. The investigation remains ongoing, and the Roanoke Police Department has vowed to bring justice to Hunter Orlando and all those affected by this senseless act of violence.
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