Diocesan communication officer Christie Wills has released a statement regarding the police investigation of a body found at the edge of diocesan property.

Wednesday, August 6

4:30 p.m. 

This morning, one of the young people returning supplies to Evans House from last night's youth lock-in saw a person lying in the bushes beside our building. The youth reported it to us and we called the police. The police blocked off the area and determined that the man was deceased.

Alan Boyce spoke with the police and I have spoken with several media outfits, including the Roanoke Times, WDBJ and WSLS. We're writing to let you know that you may see coverage of this sad event. Police are investigating and we do not yet know the cause of death.

We were aware that occasionally several men appeared to bring bedding material and sleep beside the building. We rarely saw them; most often we only knew of their presence from the litter left behind. Even though in the past we had offered assistance, they tended to keep to themselves. No one on staff has ever felt fearful of their presence; rather we primarily felt compassion for their sad situation.

We do intend to change some of the landscaping on the side of the building to make it less hospitable to vagrants. We expect to plant a holly tree near where the man was found and dedicate it to his memory as a reminder that even though we did not know his name, he was a child of God.

Your prayers for the repose of the man's soul would be most welcome.

Christie Wills,

Communication Officer