ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – A man was indicted Monday, August 3, 2026, following an investigation into an assault and fire that occurred on Wise Ave. SE in July, according to the Roanoke Police Department.
RPD says a Roanoke Grand Jury indicted William Preston Joyce on a charge of first-degree murder; Joyce was originally charged with aggravated assault.
July 19, officers were dispatched to the 1600 block of Wise Ave. SE. Upon arrival, officers say they determined Mark Douglas Ripley was intentionally set on fire resulting from an altercation.
Joyce was arrested at the scene. Ripley was transported to a hospital and died five days later from injuries sustained from the attack, according to police…