**Press Release **
Members of the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home invasion that resulted in a fatal shooting this morning around midnight. Deputies Eric Jones & Jordan Rice were the first to arrive on scene at 1097 Mt Zion Road in Elk Creek. Deputies detained the homeowners while the scene was searched and made safe. The intruder gained access to the residence by breaking out a bedroom window. The homeowner was retrieving a handgun from the same bedroom wh...en the intruder grabbed the homeowner from behind. A struggle ensued and both men went to the floor. The homeowner was able to fire two shots killing the intruder. Investigators worked through the night processing the scene and interviewing witnesses.
Samuel Craig Cheeks, 41, of Elk Creek was pronounced dead at the scene. His body has been transported to the Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Roanoke for autopsy.
The findings of the initial investigation will be presented to Commonwealth Attorney Brandon Boyles for review. Sheriff Richard Vaughan said the investigation is ongoing, but it appears the homeowner acted within the law. The Virginia State Police along with members of Independence & Elk Creek Rescue assisted with the incident.