Police make arrest in 2-decade-old killing

Roger L. Shifflett, a 38-year-old father of five, was killed June 20, 1988. Almost two decades later, Albemarle County police believe they have found the killer.

Alvin Lee Morris, a 67-year-old from Gordonsville, has been charged with first-degree murder, robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Shifflett had stopped by Southwind Grocery Store on Route 20 south of Charlottesville on the morning of June 20, 1988. Shifflett and his wife owned the convenience store.

Steve Stover, a family friend and employee, later found Shifflett shot in the back of the head, the victim of an apparent rob-bery. Investigators subsequently determined $135 was missing.

Police generated hundreds of leads and offered rewards, efforts that did not pay off at the time.

Authorities announced Shifflett’s arrest this evening, but did not specify what led to the arrest.

Look for additional details in Friday’s Daily Progress.