(Gretna, VA) – A Special Education teacher and Girls Basketball Coach at Franklin County High School was killed in Pittsylvania County on Sunday.  Authorities from the Pittsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, Gretna Police, and the Virginia State Police responded to a shooting incident at 1344 West Gretna Road at approximately 9:20 pm.  Upon arrival they found Tony Demond Gill, 46, dead of an apparent gun shot wound.

James Richard Mattox, 52, was arrested at the scene without incident. Investigators confirm the two individuals knew one another. The victim has been transported to the medical examiner’s office for an official ruling on cause and manner of death. Mattox has been charged with murder in violation of 18.2-32 and 18.2-53.1: Use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He is being held without bond.

Authorities are still conducting interviews and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to reach out to the Pittrsylvania County Sheriff’s Office at 434-432-7715 or Crimestoppers at 434-791-0044.

A statement from Franklin County High School Principal Reyhan Deskins is as follows: