SUSSEX
Two adult males and one juvenile male have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Franklin man, Kenneth Handy Moore, according to Sussex County Sheriff Earnest L. Giles Sr.

On the afternoon of Jan. 12, a hunter found Moore’s body in a water-filled ditch off Route 35, about 1-1/2 miles north of the Sussex/Southampton line. Investigation indicated that Moore, 36, had been killed elsewhere and his body dropped on the roadside. He had been dead within several hours of discovery.

The sheriff released these details of the suspects on Friday afternoon. Christopher Jared Crowder, 18, of Cox Road in Dinwiddie County, was taken into custody at 12:05 p.m. on Wednesday.

Erik Obando, 24, of Heir Road in Prince George County, was apprehended by Prince George police and Virginia State Police that same day at 2:30 p.m.

The third suspect is unnamed because he’s a juvenile, and was arrested by the Sussex County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday night.

The three have been served warrants for first degree murder and robbery, the latter of which is believed to be the motive.

Giles credits public support for enabling the office to locate suspects.

“We had overwhelming support of the community who gave us tips, which led to these individuals,” he said.

Interviewing the suspects is still taking place, said Giles, and no other details are available.