Alexander Ernandes,19 missing Franklin Co., VA 1/20/2011(Body Found)

[SuzieQ]

Officials seek help locating missing Franklin Co. teen
The 19-year-old from Franklin County hasn't been seen since Thursday afternoon.
By Sheila Ellis

The Franklin County Sheriff's Office is investigating the disappearance of a 19-year-old man reported missing after meeting a friend at the Rocky Mount Walmart on Thursday afternoon.

Alexander Charles Ernandes left home Thursday morning on his way to taekwondo training in Roanoke, Franklin County Sheriff Ewell Hunt said Sunday. Ernandes told his mother that he would be back for supper but never returned, Hunt said.

Ernandes' father, Tim Ernandes, of the Scruggs area of Franklin County, said his son was last seen with a close friend about 1:30 p.m. Thursday in the parking lot of the Walmart in Rocky Mount.

When his son didn't come home for supper, Tim Ernandes went to the Walmart. He found his son's car, a dark blue 1987 Pontiac Firebird, in the store's parking lot. The car was locked and Alexander Ernandes' keys and cellphone were still inside, the father said.

Police said they are interviewing Alexander Ernandes' acquaintances and friends. They also have viewed Walmart surveillance tapes.

Police have not said whether foul play is suspected, but Hunt said police are concerned with the length of time the young man has been missing.

"Right now, we don't know if it is foul play or not," he said Sunday. "We are still in the midst of investigation. There has been nothing to indicate foul play, but he has been gone for three days with no contact with anyone that we know of."

Alexander Ernandes lives at home and is close to his family, Hunt said. He was an honor student at Franklin County High School, where he was in the ROTC program. He also was enrolled in classes at Virginia Western Community College in Roanoke and was waiting for acceptance letters from Virginia Military Institute and the United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., his father said.

A flier is circulating on Facebook asking people to call officials if they have seen Alexander Ernandes. Also, an event titled "Help Find Alex Ernandes" has more than 1,400 people "attending," searching for tips and putting the word out about his disappearance.

"This is just not like our son," Tim Ernandes said.

Ernandes is white with a shaved head, 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. His hair and eyes are brown.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Franklin County Sheriff's Office at 483-3000 or Crime Line at 483-6620.
Edit to add link per SuzieQ.  MB http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/274807

[SuzieQ]

Sorry, forgot link

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/274807

[SuzieQ]

http://www.wset.com/Global/story.asp?S=13899664

Concern Growing Over Franklin Co. Teen's Disappearance

Reporter: David Tate

Franklin Co., VA - As the search for a Franklin County man continues, serious concern is setting in as authorities, family, and friends are all coming up empty handed in their search.

Alex Ernandes, 19, has been missing for four days now. As time goes on the situation becomes even more urgent because family and friends are convinced that wherever the teen is, it isn't by his own will.

There is no doubt in Andrew Sands' mind that his good friend Ernandes is in trouble. He has since devoted every waken minute to try to find the 19-year old.

"He's a good kid... a real good kid. Real quiet. Very respectful... well mannered kid," Sands said. "This is very out of the blue for him. Everybody is kind of like me - they're all shocked - they're like 'Why would he up and disappear like this?'"

Ernandes is a senior at Franklin County High School, a member of ROTC, and a third degree black belt. He's awaiting acceptance news from VMI and West Pointe.

It's the kind of character that has Sheriff Ewell Hunt also worried that something has gone wrong.

"It is the fourth day and he's had no contact with nobody. "It's getting of great concern now," Hunt said.

Investigators are focusing on surveillance video from businesses around Walmart, where Ernandes locked car was found. Inside was his cell phone, but no keys.

Video at the store shows Ernandes coming in, but he stops just on the limit of view and it doesn't provide a clear picture. Police hope scouring the Internet and interviewing family and friends will change that.

In the meantime, Ernandes friends will continue their own search.

"We as a community who all know Alex should be out there doing whatever we can, getting the word of mouth out, when we go to work, go shopping... anything. Doing everything we can. Every little bit will help," Sands said.

Another interesting clue is that Ernandes was supposed to be going to a Tae Kwon Do class in Roanoke the night he disappeared.

With him was a tan duffle bag that he would usually take a change of clothes in for after his workout.

That bag is also missing from Ernandes car, something investigators would like to find.

[SuzieQ]

http://www.thefranklinnewspost.com/article.cfm?ID=18201

BREAKING NEWS: Body of missing teenager found in Snow Creek   
 
20-year-old Boones Mill man charged with murder

Tommy Greene
Monday, January 24, 2011

By K.A. WAGONER - Staff Writer

The body of a missing Moneta man was found early Tuesday morning in a wooded area of Snow Creek.


Alexander Charles Ernandes, 19, who had been missing since Thursday, Jan. 20, had been shot multiple times with a large caliber handgun, according to Franklin County Sheriff Ewell Hunt. The body was located near a mobile home on Airport Road in Snow Creek.

Jerrold Thomas "Tommy" Greene III of Boones Mill was arrested Monday night and charged with first-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a murder.

Greene, 20, was arraigned in Franklin County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Tuesday morning and is being held in the Franklin County Jail without bond, Hunt said.

Ernandes was reported missing about 8 p.m. Friday by his parents after a deputy located Ernandes' car, a 1987 Pontiac Firebird, in the parking lot at Walmart in Rocky Mount, Hunt said. His parents filed an official missing persons report Saturday morning.

Based on information from phone records, emails and text messages, investigators contacted Greene, who was believed to be the last person to see Ernandes, Hunt said. Greene told investigators Justin Sigmon and Tim Woods that he had met Ernandes at Walmart about 1:30 p.m Thursday, but he had left Ernandes inside the store about 1:45 p.m.

While reviewing surveillance video from Walmart Saturday evening, investigators noticed inconsistencies in Greene's version of events, Hunt said.

Greene was interviewed more thoroughly Sunday, but he did not provide any pertinent information, Hunt said. However, during an interrogation by Sigmon and Woods Monday evening, Greene admitted he had picked up Ernandes at Walmart Thursday and driven him to a friend's residence in Snow Creek, where Greene said he shot Ernandes several times, Hunt said. Greene also told investigators where he had hidden the body in the woods near the residence.

When investigators finish processing the scene, the body will be transported to the state medical examiner's office in Roanoke for an autopsy, Hunt said.

"To maintain the integrity of the investigation, we are not releasing any additional information at this time," Hunt said at a news conference Tuesday morning.
 
 

[MuffyBee]

I wonder why Tommy Greene allegedly shot Alexander Ernandes? This is a very violent and sad ending for this young man.  

[4 Donks]

He sounded like a bright kid with a great future ahead of him. Such a waist ! My prayers for his family and friends.

[SuzieQ]

My prayers for his family. I guess this is the friend he was meeting at Wal-Mart. Some friend.

[2NJSons_Mom]

My prayers for his family. I guess this is the friend he was meeting at Wal-Mart. Some friend.

Having the same thoughts as everyone else.  I am hoping more details will come out as time goes by.  Maybe Alex knew something or.....????  (still no excuse, but it does seem planned)

[MuffyBee]

My prayers for his family. I guess this is the friend he was meeting at Wal-Mart. Some friend.

Having the same thoughts as everyone else.  I am hoping more details will come out as time goes by.  Maybe Alex knew something or.....????  (still no excuse, but it does seem planned)

I agree 2NJ, it does seem planned.  And like you, I hope we get more details. 

[klaasend]

Sad

[MuffyBee]

 

http://www2.godanriver.com/news/2011/jan/25/9/missing-franklin-co-man-found-dead-ar-797455/
UPDATED: Missing Franklin Co. man found dead
January 25, 2011

Roanoke County says the suspect in the murder of Alex Ernandes is a former Roanoke County dispatcher.

Spokeswoman Teresa Hamilton Hall says Jerrold Greene III worked as an entry level communications officer from February of 2010 until last September.  Hall says Greene answered and dispatched calls that came into the County's E-911 center, and a trainer was always with him.

Hall added that Greene's father is a police officer with the Roanoke County Police Department.

-----

11:54 a.m.

From Morgan Donnelly, WSLS reporter in the field

Investigators say Jerrold Thomas Greene confessed to killing Ernandes.  Greene was with Ernandes, when the 19-year-old was last seen at the Rocky Mount Walmart last week.

Franklin County Sheriff Ewell Hunt says Greene led deputies to an area in the woods Monday night, where Ernandes' body was found.  Sheriff Hunt says Ernandes had been shot multiple times.

Greene is charged with first degree murder.

[MuffyBee]

http://www2.wsls.com/news/2011/jan/25/missing-teens-body-found-franklin-county-ar-798495/
Missing teen's body found in Franklin County
January 25, 2011

We now have a better understanding of what happened to Alexander Ernandes, after he went missing last Thursday.

"Tragic news today the body of Alexander Charles Ernandes of Moneta was found early this morning,” says Franklin County Sheriff Ewell Hunt.

Based on cell phone information, investigators believe Jerrold Greene was the last person to be in contact with Ernandes. Greene initially told police he had seen Ernandes at the Rocky Mount Wal-Mart. Investigators spoke to him again Monday night, due to inconsistencies between surveillance video and Greene’s story.

"Greene admitted picking up Ernandes at the wal-mart taking him to his friend’s residence in snow creek. Green then shot Ernandes several times. Greene also told investigators where he hid the body,” says Hunt.

Alexander Ernandes's body was found in a heavily wooded area behind a mobile home off Airport Road. Investigators say he was shot multiple times, and the body was concealed. A weapon has been recovered but, investigators have not said if that was the weapon used to kill Ernandes.

Greene appeared in Franklin Co. court Tuesday morning, and was charged with first degree murder. Meanwhile investigators remained at the scene of the crime, and say they have no reason to believe others were involved.

“Greene's family is very respected in the Boones mill community. Ernandes I know was an honor student that already received a letter of acceptance into VMI and was in the process of trying to get into west point,” says Hunt.

Sheriff Hunt and others stated these were two were very close friends, both were in ROTC together in high school, and that is news was tragic for both parties.

We have also confirmed that Jerrold Greene was a Roanoke County entry level communications officer from February 2010 to September 2010. His father, Tom Greene, is currently a Roanoke Co. Police Officer.


 

[MuffyBee]

http://www.martinsvillebulletin.com/article.cfm?ID=27077
Franklin charges man in shooting    
Body of 19-year-old Moneta man found in wooded area of Snow Creek
January 26, 2011

A Boones Mill man was charged with first-degree murder Monday in connection with the death of another man.

Franklin County Sheriff Ewell Hunt alleged that Jerrold Thomas “Tommy” Greene III, 20, of Boones Mill, told sheriff’s investigators that he picked up Alexander Charles Ernandes, 19, at the Walmart in Rocky Mount on Thursday and drove him to a friend’s residence in Snow Creek.

Hunt said Greene described Ernandes’ shooting. Greene also told investigators where the body was hidden in the woods near the residence, according to police.

Ernandes’ body was found early Tuesday morning in a wooded area in Snow Creek. He had been shot multiple times with a large caliber handgun, according to Hunt. The body was found near a mobile home on Airport Road in Snow Creek.

Greene was arrested Monday night and charged with first-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a murder.

He was arraigned in Franklin County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court on Tuesday morning and is being held in the Franklin County Jail without bond, Hunt said.

Greene was a school friend of Ernandes, and the two were in the Air Force JROTC together at Franklin County High School, Hunt said.

Ernandes was reported missing about 8 p.m. Friday by his parents after a deputy located Ernandes’ car, a 1987 Pontiac Firebird, in the parking lot at Walmart in Rocky Mount, Hunt said. His parents filed an official missing persons report Saturday morning.

Investigators with the sheriff’s office and Rocky Mount Police Department worked around the clock on the case.

Based on information from phone records, e-mails and text messages, investigators contacted Greene, who was believed to have been the last person to see Ernandes, Hunt said. Greene told Deputy Ricky Davis and Sgt. Dan Hale that he had met Ernandes at Walmart about 1:30 p.m. Thursday, but he had left Ernandes inside the store about 1:45 p.m.

While reviewing surveillance video from Walmart on Saturday evening, investigators noticed alleged inconsistencies in Greene’s version of events, Hunt said.

Greene was interviewed more thoroughly Saturday night, but he did not provide any pertinent information, Hunt said. However, during an interrogation by investigators Justin Sigmon and Tim Woods on Monday evening, Greene described the shooting of Ernandes, the sheriff said.

The evidence is unclear at this time whether Ernandes went from Walmart with Greene willingly or if he was forced, Hunt said.

A handgun was recovered, Hunt said, and an autopsy will determine if it is the murder weapon. The autopsy was to have been done Tuesday afternoon at the state medical examiner’s office in Roanoke.

Investigators spent most of the day Tuesday processing the scene on Airport Road, where Greene was house-sitting for a friend, Hunt said.

Hunt said at a news conference Tuesday that no additional information will be released at this time.

 

[SuzieQ]

http://www.roanoke.com/news/roanoke/wb/274966

There is a video at this site also. I don't like the fact that it was turned over to Juvenile Court.

Moneta teen's body found; friend charged [with video]
Jerrold Thomas "Tommy" Greene III, 20, is charged in the death of Alexander Charles Ernandes, who had been missing since Thursday.
By Janelle Rucker and Amanda Codispoti


After the body of a missing Moneta teen was found and his friend accused of murder, family and friends wondered about a possible motive Tuesday. Alexander Charles Ernandes, 19, was reported missing after he was last seen Thursday afternoon in the parking lot of Walmart in Rocky Mount with his friend Jerrold Thomas "Tommy" Greene III. Four days later, Greene, of Boones Mill, admitted to shooting Ernandes several times with a large-caliber handgun near a mobile home on Airport Road where he was housesitting, said Franklin County Sheriff Ewell Hunt.

Greene, 20, was arrested Monday night and charged with first-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a murder. He was being held Tuesday, without bond, at the county jail.

Hunt said investigators have an idea of what led Greene to shoot Ernandes, but declined to discuss those details at a news conference Tuesday.

The two had been friends for years and served together in the ROTC program at Franklin County High School.

A friend of Ernandes also in the ROTC program, Samantha Schilling, 19, said: "We are all really close. We were like family. That's what hurts us all most. There were no signs that something like this would happen."

Like Schilling, friends of both Ernandes and Greene said they're shocked.

"Every single time I turned around, when Alex was there, Tommy was right beside him," said Lorena Garcia, 18, who was in ROTC with the two. Of the killing and the arrest, she said: "It kind of upset me because what kind of friends do that to each other?"

Brett Lovell, 19, a close friend of Ernandes who is currently serving in the U.S. Navy and stationed near Chicago, said Ernandes and Greene hung out a lot after school and played paintball together. Recently, the two had a "falling out," Lovell said, but he declined to provide specifics.

Garcia said she saw Greene and his girlfriend Sunday and she asked him if they'd heard from Ernandes, but Greene just walked away without saying anything.

Greene was interviewed Sunday but didn't provide any "pertinent information," Hunt said. Greene told investigators that he met with Ernandes at Walmart but then left. But surveillance cameras from the Walmart parking lot showed Ernandes leave the site with Greene, Hunt said.

The next day, Greene "admitted to picking up Ernandes at Walmart and driving to a friend's residence in Snow Creek where Green said he shot Ernandes several times," Hunt said. "Greene also told investigators where he had hidden the body in the woods near the residence."

Ernandes graduated last year from the county high school, where he was an honor roll student and ROTC member. He had recently received an acceptance letter to Virginia Military Institute, Hunt said.

"Alex was going to be a great military man," Lovell said.

Lovell described Greene as "a little out there" and said "he liked to shoot stuff," referring to paintball and hunting.

Greene was not able to go into the military because he has diabetes, Lovell said.

"He [Greene] was very quiet, kept to himself," said Robert Sands, a friend of Ernandes.

Greene's father, Tom Greene, is an officer with the Roanoke County Police Department, said Teresa Hamilton Hall, county director of public information.

From February to September of last year, the younger Greene worked as an entry-level communications officer for Roanoke County, answering calls that came into the county's 911 center, she said.

Greene's family declined to comment Tuesday.

Ernandes was attending Virginia Western Community College until he was accepted into military school and taught tae kwon do to children, his friends said.

"Alex was the most definition of perfect," said Sands. "That was as close as you could get to it. [He was a] very good student in school, very well dressed, very well mannered. Always smiled, always happy, focused on his studies, martial arts."

[SuzieQ]

http://www2.wsls.com/news/2011/jan/27/alex-ernandes-receive-posthumous-west-point-appoin-ar-803920/?referer=http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwsls.com%2Far%2F803920%2F&h=2487c&site=wsls.com&type=R&plugin=R&social=false&pos=1%2F4&signature=&api_key=496024575022&referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww2.wsls.com%2F&cb=2&shorturl=http://wsls.com/ar/803920/

Alex Ernandes to receive posthumous West Point appointment

FRANKLIN COUNTY, VA --
Before Franklin County deputies say Alex Ernandes was murdered, the 19-year-old was waiting to hear if he'd be appointed to West Point.

At a wake service Sunday, Ernandes' uncle will accept the appointment on his nephew's behalf.

Edward Olivares, the West Point admissions representative who recommended Ernandes, will then administer the cadet oath.

Ernandes will become an honorary member of the class of 2015.

snipped:

Ernandes will be buried in a cadet uniform. His mother will be presented a flag during his burial.

snipped:

[MuffyBee]

Rest in peace Alexander Ernandes.