Local publisher allegedly killed by girlfriend
Shawna Marie Natalie Murphy was arrested on October 25 for the murder of her boyfriend, Matthew Sean Farrell, at his home.
Shortly before 8:30am, Albemarle County police and fire rescue responded to a domestic disturbance report on the 2100 block of Stony Point Road. When officers arrived, they found Farrell dead from a gunshot wound.
Murphy, 38, was charged with second-degree murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. She had dated and lived with Farrell, 53, for several years, reports The Daily Progress.
The ACPD did not publicize the victim’s identity until October 27. “A need for additional resources was determined … due to explosive materials found at the scene. These materials posed no threat to the public,” read a press release.
Farrell, who grew up near Farmville, moved to Charlottesville in 1990 after college and a brief stint in the military. It was here where he became a locally beloved publisher, writer, and connoisseur of the arts—or, as he told C-VILLE in a 2011 interview, “an arts person, a fop, and a dandy.”
In 1991, Farrell, who earned a master’s degree in philosophy, founded Hypocrite Press, which published works by “local writers who are writing about Charlottesville,” he told C-VILLE. His published books include street to forest: a scattered guide for the charlottesville unresidenced, described by Farrell as a guidebook containing tips, commentary, and entertainment “for local homeless street persons, slackers, and train-hobo kids.” After publishing street to forest in 2010, Farrell handed out 100 free copies of the book, which involved around 30 local collaborators, to people experiencing homelessness downtown, and took no profits from it.
In 1992, Farrell also opened an art gallery called Galerie Oktoberfaust inside the Jefferson Theater, and created a cable television variety show called “Let’s Get Lost,” reports the Progress.
‘I love what I do’
Cyndi Richardson, a longtime peer support specialist for On Our Own, received a commendation from state Senator Creigh Deeds that honored her efforts assisting people living with mental illness and substance abuse disorder. During the October 26 ceremony, Deeds also congratulated Richardson on receiving the Dr. Fred Frese People with Mental Illness Lived Experience of the Year award from Crisis Intervention Team International, which helps those with mental illness and substance abuse disorder access treatment, instead of being placed in the criminal justice system.
Richardson said that serving people is her “purpose” in life during Deed’s visit.
“If I can make you feel better about yourself, just about these five minutes that we are talking, then it’ll give you time to focus on you and make better choices,” said Richardson, recognizing her own mental health recovery journey. “It’ll give you a chance to go, ‘Maybe I can’ … [and] that hopelessness that you have may go away for a minute. Then, the chase begins. I’m going to chase that feeling again.”
Richardson has worked with OOO for over a decade, leading many CIT trainings. She is also a caseworker for People and Congregations Engaged in Ministry.
“I have no intention of retiring,” said Richardson. “I love what I do.”
In brief
Man arrested for Downtown Mall shooting
Marcel Darell Washington, a Charlotte, North Carolina, resident, was arrested in Tennessee on October 28 for shooting Devonn J. Wilson at Lucky Blue’s Bar on the Downtown Mall on October 23. Wilson died of his wounds at the hospital. Two bystanders were also shot during the incident, and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Washington was charged with the second-degree murder of Wilson and use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, according to an October 31 Charlottesville Police Department press release.
Hate crime solved
The Albemarle County Police Department arrested Shane Dennis, a county resident, on October 24 for placing a noose around the neck of the Homer statue at the University of Virginia on September 7. Dennis was charged with violating a state code that prohibits displaying a noose “on the property of another [or] public place with intent to intimidate.” The University Police Department served Dennis, who has no known prior relationship with the university, a No Trespass Order. Police also suspect Dennis is responsible for leaving two masks, a “civil peace flag,” a Christian cross, and an envelope containing a letter—which claimed the statue “glorifies pedophilia”—near the statue on October 22, according to The Cavalier Daily.
Policy delayed
On October 27, the state education department delayed implementation of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s proposed transgender student policy an additional 30 days, citing public comments claiming the measure violates state law, reports The Washington Post. The department will respond to those comments, and may suggest changes to the controversial policy.
Pay raise
The Albemarle County School Board voted to raise bus driver pay from just over $16.50 to $21.50 per hour on October 27, in an effort to recruit more drivers amidst a severe shortage. The board also approved raises for school nurses, building services workers, and multiple other positions.
Open seat
Albemarle County School Board member David Oberg, who has represented the White Hall Magisterial District for seven years, also announced he was resigning on October 27, citing personal circumstances. His resignation will take effect on December 31. The board is accepting applications for a replacement to serve out the remainder of Oberg’s term, which ends next year, until November 18 at 5 pm. Applications, including a resume and letter of interest, should be emailed to board clerk Jennifer Johnston at jjohnston@k12albemarle.og, or mailed to the clerk at 401 McIntire Road in Charlottesville, 22902.
Correction 11/3: In our original publication of the story “Domestic murder,” on the death of Matthew Farrell, the subheading did not make clear that the individual accused, Shawna Marie Natalie Murphy, has only been charged with the crime. C-VILLE regrets the error.
Correction 11/4: In our original publication of a news brief about the Downtown Mall shooting, the subheading did not make clear that the individual accused, Marcel Darell Washington, has only been charged with the crime. C-VILLE regrets the error.
