Murder-for-Hire Suicide, Affordable Housing in Roanoke County, and Roanoke College’s $1 Million Workforce Initiative

In today’s WFIR News Express, the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office confirms that a man accused of orchestrating his 97-year-old grandmother’s murder has died by suicide. The alleged murder-for-hire scheme resulted in charges for a second suspect, who remains in custody. In Roanoke County, a developer proposes an affordable housing project near the former Poage Mill Farm. Plans include townhomes, single-family homes, and commercial spaces aimed at addressing the area’s housing shortage. A community meeting will be held next week to discuss the project. Roanoke College launches the RC-RV initiative with a $1 million gift to connect adult learners with in-demand workforce training. The program will offer stackable credentials in fields like artificial intelligence, helping professionals advance or shift careers. In other news, local authorities are investigating a credit card skimming incident at Sheetz gas stations, and the City of Roanoke receives $750,000 in federal funding to address lead paint hazards in older homes. Plus, Christmas festivities kick off this week with the Dickens of a Christmas tree lighting in downtown Roanoke. Stay tuned for these stories and more on WFIR News Express.