Man charged for deadly shooting outside Roanoke convenience store

Sincere Elijah Hardy arrested and charged with second-degree murder

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Roanoke Police Department has arrested 26-year-old Sincere Elijah Hardy in connection with a deadly shooting that occurred outside a convenience store in Roanoke, Virginia. The incident happened on March 1 at around 9:50 a.m. when officers responded to the 1600 block of Burrell Street NW for a reported shooting. They found 56-year-old Kimberly Sue Lee with gunshot wounds, and she died at the scene.

Why it matters

Violent crimes like this shooting outside a local convenience store are deeply concerning for the Roanoke community. The swift arrest of the suspect is a positive step, but it also raises questions about public safety and the factors that may have led to this tragic incident.

The details

According to police, Sincere Elijah Hardy, a 26-year-old from Salem, Virginia, has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Kimberly Sue Lee. Lee, a 56-year-old Roanoke resident, was found with gunshot wounds at the scene and died despite efforts to save her life.

  • The shooting occurred on March 1, 2026 at approximately 9:50 a.m.

The players

Sincere Elijah Hardy

A 26-year-old man from Salem, Virginia who has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the shooting.

Kimberly Sue Lee

A 56-year-old Roanoke resident who was killed in the shooting outside the convenience store.

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What they’re saying

“The swift and coordinated efforts of our staff, combined with the invaluable support of our community through calls and investigative cooperation, led to the successful apprehension of the suspect. Mrs. Lee was a well-known presence along Orange Avenue, and I extend my heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all who knew her.”

— Chief Scott Booth, Roanoke Police Department (wset.com)

What’s next

The judge will determine whether to grant bail for Sincere Elijah Hardy at a hearing scheduled for next week.

The takeaway

This tragic shooting highlights the need for continued efforts to address gun violence and improve public safety in the Roanoke community. While the swift arrest of the suspect is a positive step, it also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by local law enforcement and the importance of community cooperation in solving such crimes.