The Shadow
BEDFORD CO, Va. – Virginia State Police are investigating a vehicle fire and human remains, which were discovered on Tuesday, (Apr 18) at approximately 12:15 a.m. on Sandy Level Road in Bedford County.
The Bedford Fire Department responded to the scene, extinguished the fire, and found human remains inside the vehicle. The Bedford County Fire Marshal’s Office requested the Virginia State Police, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Salem Division to investigate the vehicle fire.
It was determined Ethan Ryan Bert, 20, of York, Pa., died by violent circumstances prior to his remains being placed in the vehicle. Special Agents with the Virginia State Police were able to develop leads identifying suspects located in the City of Roanoke.
Statement from Bedford County Commonwealth Attorney, Wes Nance, on April 25, 2023:
Good morning,
Last week an investigation began after the discovery of human remains within a burned-out vehicle on Sandy Level Road here in Bedford. Subsequently, the victim was identified as Ethan Bert, approximately 20 years of age, from York, PA. Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, Joseph Richard Walker, 29 years of age, of Roanoke City was charged with second-degree murder. He was arrested in Florida by local law enforcement. The extradition process has begun, and I expect Mr. Walker to be back in Bedford County no later than the middle of next week. The victim and suspect are believed to be known to one another.
Unfortunately, due to the complex nature of this investigation, I do not yet have a copy of the warrant, but I will gladly forward it when it is received. The charge will first appear in Bedford County General Court.
This is an ongoing, and multifaceted, investigation. I would encourage anyone who has pertinent information to contact the Bureau of Investigation of the Virginia State Police in Salem or this office. I extend my thanks to the multiple agencies that have assisted in the investigation thus far.
There is very little else that I can add at this time as Mr. Walker is presumed to be innocent. I also have several court appearances today and may be difficult to reach.
Thank you for your attention to this matter,
Wes Nance
A warrant for Murder in the Second Degree was obtained for Joseph Richard Walker, 29, of Roanoke, Va. on April 18. Walker was located and arrested in Brevard County, Fla. later that day, by the United States Marshal Service and local law enforcement.
On April 25, 2023, Special Agents with the Virginia State Police, arrested Jonathan Dewayne Bell, 34, of Goodview, Va. Bell has been charged with Accessory after the Fact-Homicide.
The agencies participating in this investigation are Capital Area Regional SW Virginia USMS Task Force, FBI Operation Safe Streets Violent Crime and Gang Task Force, STAR City Drug and Violent Crime Task Force, DES Salem Field Office, GIS Salem Field Office, GIS Appomattox Field Office, Hi-Tech Crimes, Squad 6 Tact Team, BFO Area 40 and Roanoke County Police Department.
If anyone has information regarding this investigation, please email questions@vsp.virginia.gov.
This remains an ongoing investigation.
