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Fatal Gunfight at Roanoke Drug House Leads to Lengthy Prison Sentences
Aaron Lee Woods, 28, and Chad Matthew Custer, 23, were sentenced to more than 20 years and 16 years in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in a fatal shooting at an Eastern Avenue drug house in Roanoke.
The shooting occurred in July 2018, when a group of individuals, including Woods, Custer, and another man, Darion Mantez Harvey, engaged in a gun battle with a carload of people who arrived at the scene. One of the individuals in the car was killed in the crossfire.
The investigation, led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the City of Roanoke Police Department, revealed that Woods, Custer, and Harvey used the Eastern Avenue apartment as a hub for their large-scale marijuana distribution operation. Witnesses reported that customers would frequently visit the apartment to purchase marijuana, and the defendants would often display loaded firearms in plain sight.
As part of the investigation, authorities recovered multiple firearms, including high-powered rifles with laser sights and handguns, that were used during the shootout. The investigation also uncovered evidence of the defendants’ involvement in possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.
Woods and Custer pleaded guilty to one count each of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, as well as one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Harvey, who was sentenced to 26 years in federal prison in May 2022, was also involved in the operation.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The program brings together law enforcement agencies and community organizations to support crime prevention efforts and set focused enforcement priorities.
United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh, Special Agent in Charge Craig B. Kailimai, and Roanoke Police Chief Sam Roman made the announcement, highlighting the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies and the community in reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer.
Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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