An Elkton man has been charged in connection with a Friday homicide, according to a news release from the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the sheriff’s office, Kemper Virgil Shifflett III, a 35-year-old Elkton man, was found at the residence of a family member and taken into custody at around 6 a.m. on Saturday.

The investigation into Shifflett began Friday at around 7 p.m., the release said, after the Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection of Hensley Hollow Road and Forsythia Lane for a report of an emergency medical situation where, according to the release, 42-year-old Sharon Hilliards, of Elkton, was found dead inside a vehicle.

According to police, it was determined the incident originated as a domestic dispute between the suspect and Hilliards.

According to the release, the RCSO began an investigation into the incident as a homicide with assistance from Virginia State Police. According to police, the suspect, Shifflett, fled the scene on foot into a densely wooded area, and search efforts began immediately with continued assistance from VSP and Rockingham County Fire and Rescue.

The next morning, at around 6 a.m., Shifflett was found and charged with first-degree murder. He is being held at the Rockingham County Jail without bond.

— Staff Report