On the morning of May 10, 2025, the city of Roanoke, Virginia, was shaken by a deadly shooting that took the life of 27-year-old Hunter Orlando. The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday morning in the 1300 block of Jamison Avenue SE, a residential area in Southeast Roanoke. According to the Roanoke Police Department, officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 4:09 a.m. after receiving multiple reports of gunfire. When authorities arrived, they found Orlando lying on the sidewalk with apparent gunshot wounds. Despite efforts from emergency responders, Orlando was pronounced dead at the scene.

The shooting has left the community in shock, and investigators are working diligently to understand the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident. A second victim, who was located nearby at Fallon Park, suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and is believed to have been injured during the same shooting. Authorities have identified 38-year-old Thomas Delp as the primary suspect in the case, and he is now wanted on charges of second-degree murder.

This article will provide a comprehensive look at the details of the shooting, the ongoing investigation, and the broader implications for public safety in Roanoke. We will examine the circumstances leading to the shooting, the response from law enforcement, and the community’s reaction to this tragic loss.

The Shooting: A Deadly Confrontation in Southeast Roanoke

The events leading to the death of Hunter Orlando began in the early hours of May 10, 2025. According to the Roanoke Police Department, officers were called to the scene in response to reports of gunfire in the 1300 block of Jamison Avenue SE. This area, typically a quiet residential neighborhood, became the site of a violent crime that would forever change the lives of those involved and the community at large.

When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Hunter Orlando lying on the sidewalk, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. His injuries were fatal, and despite the efforts of emergency responders, Orlando was pronounced dead at the scene. The police investigation suggests that the shooting took place outdoors, with the victim being found in a vulnerable position on the sidewalk.

Shortly after discovering Orlando’s body, police found a second male victim in Fallon Park, a nearby location. This second individual, who has not been identified publicly, sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Investigators believe this victim was likely involved in the same shooting incident, though further details about his connection to Orlando and the suspect are still unclear.

The shooting itself, while still under investigation, appears to have been a targeted act of violence, but authorities have yet to release specifics about the nature of the confrontation between the victims and the suspect. What is clear is that the incident unfolded quickly and violently, leaving one man dead and another injured in a public space during the early hours of the morning.

The Suspect: Thomas Delp and the Search for Answers

Following the initial investigation, detectives with the Roanoke Police Department identified 38-year-old Thomas Delp as the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of Hunter Orlando. Delp is now wanted on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the incident.

The police have released limited details regarding Delp’s background or his connection to the victims, but they are actively seeking information on his whereabouts. It is unclear whether Delp had any prior history with Orlando or the second victim, or whether the shooting was the result of a personal dispute, a robbery, or some other factor.

As of now, Delp remains at large, and the police are working diligently to locate him. Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen Delp or knows of his whereabouts to come forward with information. The community is also being urged to remain vigilant, as Delp is considered a suspect in a deadly shooting and could be armed and dangerous.

In the meantime, law enforcement is using all available resources to track Delp down. The police have requested assistance from the public, and they are working with local, state, and federal agencies to locate him as soon as possible.

The Investigation: A Collaborative Effort to Solve the Crime

The investigation into the deadly shooting of Hunter Orlando is being led by the Roanoke Police Department, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies as needed. Following the shooting, detectives immediately began processing the crime scene, gathering evidence, and interviewing witnesses to piece together the details of the incident.

One of the key aspects of the investigation was the identification of the suspect, Thomas Delp. The Roanoke Police Department has not yet disclosed how Delp was identified as the suspect, but investigators likely used a combination of witness testimony, physical evidence, and surveillance footage to make this determination.

Given the severity of the crime and the fact that the shooting took place in a public area, authorities are working diligently to gather all available information. They have asked for the public’s help in providing any tips or details that may assist in locating Delp and solving the case. The police have set up a tip line for anonymous submissions, and they are encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

In addition to the ongoing manhunt for Delp, the investigation continues to focus on understanding the motives behind the shooting. Investigators are exploring various possibilities, including personal disputes, gang-related activity, or other factors that may have led to the violence. While the police have not yet released any definitive answers regarding the motive, they are continuing to investigate all potential angles in the case.

The Community’s Reaction: Grief, Concern, and Calls for Justice

The shooting of Hunter Orlando has left the Roanoke community in shock. Orlando was a young man with a bright future, and his sudden death has raised concerns about public safety in the city. While the incident occurred in a relatively quiet residential neighborhood, it highlights the growing problem of gun violence and violent crime in urban areas.

Local residents, including friends and family members of Orlando, have expressed their grief and sorrow over the tragic loss. Many have taken to social media to offer condolences, share memories of Orlando, and demand justice for his death. Orlando’s family, still reeling from the loss of their loved one, is understandably seeking answers and accountability for the senseless act of violence that took their son, brother, and friend.

The shooting also serves as a reminder of the larger issue of gun violence in the United States, where thousands of lives are lost every year due to firearms. While Roanoke is not typically known for high levels of violent crime, the shooting of Hunter Orlando underscores the reality that no community is immune from the risks associated with gun violence.

In the aftermath of the shooting, many members of the Roanoke community have expressed concerns about the growing presence of firearms and the need for stronger efforts to address gun-related violence. Local activists and residents are calling for more comprehensive measures to reduce violence and improve public safety, including more effective policing, increased community engagement, and initiatives to prevent youth violence.

The Impact of Gun Violence: A Broader Discussion on Public Safety

The shooting death of Hunter Orlando, while a tragic individual event, is part of a broader conversation about gun violence in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), firearms are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with gun-related violence claiming tens of thousands of lives each year. While the causes of gun violence are complex and multifaceted, there are several contributing factors, including poverty, lack of access to mental health resources, and the proliferation of firearms in communities across the country.

In Roanoke, as in many other cities, gun violence has been a growing concern, and residents are increasingly calling for action to address the issue. This includes measures to reduce the availability of firearms, implement stronger background checks for gun purchases, and improve community policing efforts.

The tragic loss of Hunter Orlando is a reminder of the human toll that gun violence takes on families and communities. Every life lost to gun violence represents a tragedy, and the ripple effects are felt throughout society. From grieving families to shaken communities, the impact of each act of violence is far-reaching and long-lasting.

What’s Next for the Investigation?

As the investigation continues, the Roanoke Police Department is focused on locating Thomas Delp and bringing him to justice. The police are working diligently to gather all available evidence, including witness statements, surveillance footage, and forensic evidence, in order to build a solid case against Delp.

The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities have indicated that further updates will be provided as new information emerges. The police have also stressed the importance of public assistance in solving the case. If anyone has any information about the shooting or Delp’s whereabouts, they are urged to contact the Roanoke Police Department or submit anonymous tips.

As the community waits for justice, it is hoped that this case will bring some closure to Orlando’s family and friends. However, the larger issue of gun violence remains a pressing concern for Roanoke and other communities across the United States.

Conclusion: A Community in Mourning and a Call for Change

The shooting death of Hunter Orlando is a heartbreaking tragedy that has left the Roanoke community in mourning. While the arrest of Thomas Delp brings some measure of justice, the pain of losing a young man in such a senseless act of violence will not be easily forgotten. The case highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and the need for more effective measures to address the root causes of violence and promote public safety.

As the investigation continues and the legal proceedings unfold, the hope is that Hunter Orlando’s death will serve as a call to action, encouraging stronger efforts to reduce gun violence and protect communities. For now, the Roanoke community remains united in grief, seeking justice for Orlando and working toward a safer future for all.