Local man's DNA matches evidence in Galax, Virginia case
{Caution: The following article contains a subject matter which may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.}
On May 29, 2024 Deputies with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office received a report from an individual, who reported they were sexually abused when they were a minor. Detectives began an investigation into the report and as a result of the investigation.
Charles Westley Shumaker was arrested on July 2, 2024 for three counts of indecent liberties with a minor. Shumaker was ordered the custody of the Davidson County Detention Center and scheduled to appear in Lexington District Court on August 1, 2024. During the intake process, Detectives obtained fingerprints and a DNA sample from Shumaker, which is required by North Carolina law. The DNA sample was submitted to the North Carolina Crime Lab.
On August 22, 2024, Detectives with the Galax Police Department, located in Galax, Virginia contacted Detectives with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office to notify that the DNA collected from Shumaker matched DNA evidence collected during a forcible rape investigation conducted by the Galax Police Department in February of 2019.
On September 3, 2024, Detectives with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office arrested Charles Westley Shumaker for a fugitive warrant from Galax Police Department for forcible rape.
Shumaker was taken into custody and ordered to the custody of the Davidson County Detention Center, pending extradition to Virginia.
