Bio

James H. Roane Jr. was born in 1965. Growing up in a difficult environment, he faced many challenges. He was raised in an area known for violence and crime. From a young age, Roane was exposed to fights and aggression in his neighborhood. 

Roane’s childhood was troubled. He got into trouble with the law when he was just nine years old. As a teenager, he turned to drugs, starting to use them around the age of 13. He recalled feeling that drugs were a way to find happiness in a chaotic world. This involvement with drugs led him further down a troubling path.

By this time, Roane was also becoming a father. He had several children but struggled to be a responsible parent. He recognized that he lacked the skills needed to support his children. His life began to spiral as he became more involved in drug trafficking.

As Roane grew older, he continued to face difficulties. He often felt alone and did not have anyone to turn to for help. He attempted to change his life several times but found it hard to escape the influences of his surroundings. With limited opportunities available to him, he began selling drugs, believing it would provide for himself and his family.

Murder Story

In January and February of 1992, James H. Roane Jr. committed several murders in Richmond, Virginia, as part of a drug trafficking operation. On January 4, Roane and his accomplice, Richard Tipton, murdered Douglas Talley, stabbing him 84 times.

On January 13, Roane and Tipton attacked Douglas Moody, a rival drug dealer. Tipton shot Moody, and as he attempted to escape, Roane caught up and stabbed him 18 times, resulting in Moody's death. The next day, Roane was involved in the murder of Peyton Johnson, another competitor. Roane found him at a tavern, and Cory Johnson, an accomplice, fatally shot Peyton after Roane exited.

On January 29, Roane approached Louis Johnson, who he believed had threatened him, and shot him. Cory Johnson and a third accomplice fired additional shots, killing Louis Johnson.

On February 1, Roane was part of a group that targeted Torrick Brown. Roane, along with Cory Johnson and Lance Thomas, knocked on Brown's door and opened fire when he answered, killing him and critically injuring his half-sister.

Later that day, Roane was involved in the shooting of Dorothy Armstrong and Anthony Carter, whom accomplices shot after they opened fire at Bobby Long, Dorothy's brother.

Roane along with others murdered Linwood Chiles on February 19, 1992, as they suspected him of cooperating with authorities. Roane was eventually convicted of three murders, including that of Moody, and was sentenced to death in February 1993.