On December 9, 2024, a Rockingham County jury delivered a guilty verdict against Donald Ray Newman, finding him responsible for Attempted First Degree Murder, Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, and First-Degree Burglary.
The verdict marked the culmination of a six-day trial, during which District Attorney Katy Gregg presented a wealth of evidence against Newman.
The trial revealed that on October 9th, 2021, Newman broke into the Eden home of Angela Williams, his wife, through a basement window.
Once inside, he confronted Williams in the kitchen, where she was attempting to call for help.
Newman pointed a gun at Williams, ordering her to put down the phone, and began punching her in the face repeatedly, threatening to kill her.
As the assault continued, Williams fell to the floor, and Newman attempted to bind her hands with a zip tie.
When this proved unsuccessful, he lifted her to her feet and demanded to know the location of her firearm. Williams directed him to her bedroom, where Newman attempted to retrieve the gun while holding her at gunpoint.
In a shocking turn of events, Newman shot Williams in the chest with his own firearm. Despite her injuries, Williams managed to retrieve her own gun and shoot Newman once. She then fled to a neighbor's house for help, while Newman took her vehicle and escaped the scene.
Newman abandoned Williams's vehicle approximately one mile away and made his way to a hospital in Virginia, where he received treatment for his injuries.
The swift response of the Eden Police Department, Rockingham County Emergency Medical Services, and Moses Cone Hospital ultimately saved Williams's life.
The District Attorney's Office praised the efforts of the Eden Police Department, particularly Sergeant Aubrie Stonemen, Lieutenant Andrew Kenyi, and former Detective Brian Disher, among others, for their diligent investigation and quick response.
The office also expressed gratitude to the Danville Police Department, South Hill Police Department, and the Virginia Commonwealth University Police Department for their assistance in the case.
District Attorney Katy L. Gregg stated, "This was a true team effort. Mr. Newman attempted to kill his wife and get away with it.
He underestimated her will to live and the work ethic of the Eden Police Department and the Rockingham County District Attorney's Office.
I am thankful for the outstanding job and hard work of everyone involved to make sure the Defendant will never be able to hurt anyone else in Rockingham County ever again."
As a result of the guilty verdict, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge John Morris sentenced Newman to three consecutive terms of imprisonment, totaling 336-440 months. With this sentence, Newman is expected to be in his mid-eighties before he becomes eligible for release from prison.
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