Teacher fatally shot at gas station during routine stop
Tragedy Strikes Franklin County High School: Coach Tony Demond Gill Murdered
In a shocking turn of events, Tony Demond Gill, a beloved girls' basketball coach and special education teacher at Franklin County High School, was fatally shot in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, on Sunday night. The suspect arrested for the crime is James Richard Mattox, age 52.
According to reports, the shooting occurred at a convenience store on West Gretna Road in Gretna, Pittsylvania County, at approximately 9:20 p.m. on July 27, 2025. First responders were immediately called to the scene.
The Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office, Gretna police, and Virginia State Police responded to the incident. Mattox, who is known to have had a connection with Gill, was arrested and charged with murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He had his first court appearance on Monday morning, with a preliminary hearing date set for September[1].
Tony Gill was remembered by the school community as a mentor, friend, and leader who made a significant impact both in the classroom and on the basketball court. Principal Reyhan Deskins made a statement, praising Gill's integrity, compassion, and commitment, and highlighting that his legacy will live on through the students he taught[1][5].
Investigators are continuing to gather witness information and are urging anyone with relevant details to contact the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office at 434-432-7715. Meanwhile, Mattox remains in custody, facing serious charges related to the murder[1].
As the investigation into the shooting continues, the community mourns the loss of a beloved figure. The school has set up a memorial fund in Gill's name to support his family and the girls' basketball programme he dedicated his life to[1][5].
Sources:
- ABC News 13 (2025). "Coach Tony Demond Gill Murdered in Pittsylvania County, Virginia". [Online] Available at: https://www.abc13news.com/local-news/coach-tony-demond-gill-murdered-in-pittsylvania-county-virginia/
- WSLS 10 (2025). "Update: Suspect Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Franklin County High School Coach". [Online] Available at: https://wsls.com/news/local/update-suspect-arrested-in-fatal-shooting-of-franklin-county-high-school-coach
- WDBJ7 (2025). "Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office Investigating Fatal Shooting". [Online] Available at: https://www.wdbj7.com/2025/07/27/pittsylvania-county-sheriffs-office-investigating-fatal-shooting/
- The Roanoke Times (2025). "Franklin County High School Coach Tony Demond Gill Killed in Pittsylvania County". [Online] Available at: https://www.roanoke.com/news/local/crime/franklin-county-high-school-coach-tony-demond-gill-killed-in-pittsylvania-county/article_e5908a50-b57c-5d0f-bb51-1d86d0e84f5d.html
- Franklin County High School (2025). "Remembering Coach Tony Demond Gill". [Online] Available at: https://www.franklinhighschool.org/remembering-coach-tony-demond-gill/
The tragedy has led to discussions about the importance of education and self-development, as the community reflects on the life of Coach Tony Demond Gill, who dedicated his life to both teaching and coaching. Meanwhile, the general news is filled with updates on the crime and justice aspects, with James Richard Mattox facing serious charges for the murder of Coach Gill.