April 29, 2011 Free Cold Case Reopened Story and Photos by Linda Cicoira borers who tend the vast acres of tomatoes raised ong after the crops were harvested and hun- on the Eastern Shore. dreds of migrant farm laborers moved to Virginia Medical Examiner Dr. Leah Bush told Lgreener pas- reporters at a press tures, the remains conference last of a young man, week that the vic- whom police be- tim’s loved ones are lieve was probably likely wondering a member of that about his where- workforce, were abouts and could be found in the woods blaming themselves off Big Farm Road for his lack of com- between Painter munication. “They and Pungoteague. need closure,” she For more than said. And a combi- six years, this His- nation of science panic/Latino male and art could help — estimated to be bring it to them and between 17 and 23 the families of two years old — has others found in the not been identified. Tidewater area in the 220 unnamed skeletons in Bush’s closet and It was about noon the last 19 years. were made of an off-white clay and marked with on Dec. 31, 2004, when a hunt club member visit- “The families … agonize for years,” Bush said. the cities and/or county where they were found. ing the area discovered the skeleton. Once the remains are identified, “they no longer The neutral color was used to emphasize the facial “Any cases we thought may have been related, blame themselves for structure. In the have come up with dead ends,” Lt. Gerald Goga, an something they had past, using the investigator with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Of- no part in … we al- wrong skin tone or fice (ACSO), which is handling the inquiry, said last low them to move on hair color thwart- week. “Whether there was foul play is still under in- with their lives. They ed identification. vestigation. The primary goal is to ID the remains.” can’t move forward In previous The lieutenant said the skeleton was found until they found out eras, wigs were about 200 yards from the building that housed what happened.” used to humanize laborers. Police suspect that the man was a farm Three clay sculp- the models and worker because he was Hispanic as are many la- tured heads with often would cause molded “facial ap- people to focus on Above: Clay sculptures recently unveiled proximations” and untrue aspects, by the Norfolk medical examiner depict the mostly guesswork Bush said. In most faces of three unidentified dead found in the ears and hair were cases, it is impos- Tidewater area. The form on the far right rep- displayed on three sible to know what resents remains found near Painter in 2004. pedestals cloaked the ears would Right top: Another view of the man found with black material in the corner of a health de- look like since that cavity does not reflect shape, locally. Right bottom: Lt. Gerald Goga of the partment library in Norfolk where the press con- unlike eye sockets, which are generally deep when Accomack County Sheriff’s Office speaks at a ference was held last Friday. press conference in Norfolk. The models are the first to be made available for (Continued on Page 6) 2 • EastErn shorE Post • aPril 29, 2011 Cheriton Man Found Not Guilty of Murder in Death of Harold Moses By Ron West ed at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospi- that tests of the DNA from bloodstains ning of the shooting, she left the party A Northampton County Jury deliber- tal for a head wound, which was closed found at the scene determined that the about 8:30, picked up Moses, who lived ated well into the night Wednesday and with several stitches. blood was Stratton’s, not Moses’. near Cheriton, then drove him to her concluded that Trawn Levan Stratton Northampton County Sheriff’s In- Forensic scientist Robert Hart testi- home, where she was with him for ap- was innocent on all counts stemming vestigator Sgt. Michelle Hallett testi- fied that the residue found on Moses’ proximately two hours. from the death of Harold Moses on the fied that the room in which Moses was gloves showed that the gunshots had Under cross-examination, Ellis evening of August 28, 2010. found dead showed signs of a struggle, been fired from one inch or less. stated that when she picked up Moses, Stratton faced charges of first-degree with furniture in disarray and blood Day two of the trial began with he was wearing gloves and carrying a murder, murder during the commission splattered in several locations. She Northampton County Deputy Sheriff field-hockey stick, which he normally of a burglary, and use of a firearm. said evidence indicated that the front Roger Pike testifying that when he ar- did when he walked along the railroad Two days of testimony began Mon- door had been kicked and two .40-cali- rived following the shooting, he found tracks. Ellis testified that when she day when Accomack Commonwealth’s ber shell casings and a bloody field- Moses dead on the floor. Pike said prepared to return to the party to pick Attorney Bruce Jones promised the hockey stick were found near the body. Stratton was not there. up her children and to take Moses back jury in his opening statement that Dr. Elizabeth Kinniston, an assistant Jones played the recording of the 911 to Cheriton, she left her home from the evidence would show that Stratton medical examiner from Norfolk, testi- call made by Ellis following the shoot- front door and locked it behind her. planned to confront Moses about a mu- fied that the victim died as the result ing at her home. Ellis informed the dis- Moses was still inside and was plan- tual girlfriend, Quadrina Ellis. of two gunshot wounds, one to the abdo- patcher that a man had been shot at ning to go out the back door. Ellis said In his opening statement, defense men and one to the groin area. She not- her home and the shooter had left. she did this whenever Moses, who was attorney Eric Korslund contended that ed that the wounds fractured the pelvis Testifying about the night of the married, was at her home so neighbors it was Moses who had set a trap for and caused extensive bleeding from the shooting, Ellis said she had been at a would not know he was there. Ellis Stratton and had attacked him with a aorta and spleen. Dr. Kinniston said she party and had seen Stratton briefly. said that as she went to her car, she field-hockey stick once he reached El- recovered two .40-caliber bullets from She testified that she and Stratton saw Stratton come around the side of lis’ home that evening. In the ensuing Moses’ body and they appeared to have had been in a relationship for approxi- her home, carrying a gun and then she struggle, according to Korslund, Strat- been shot from very close range. mately 13 years, but she had ended it heard a loud crash which she assumed ton was forced to defend himself with Denise Meyers with the Virginia De- in February of 2010 and later began to was the front door being broken in. She the gun he carried. Stratton was treat- partment of Forensic Science testified see Moses. Ellis said that on the eve- (Continued on Page 23) Tangled Salon & Spa Jaxon’s & Be Strong * Be Beautiful * Be You Full service salon offering hair, nail, and skin care Jaxon’s Hardware 757-442-4897 Don’t forget Mothers’ Day Come see Richie Turner May 8th!! - Manicures, Pedicures at Midway in Pocomoke ALL from scratch and Prom packages for your new or used car needs. ALL delicious Lots of available. Gift Ideas !!! - Call today for your Call 888-696-6300 757-824-6161 appointment and ask for Richie today!! www.BHiveEatery.com [email protected] 665-5967 • 665-5023 [email protected] 800-772-5023 3488 Main St., Exmore *We would appreciate having Mother’s Day orders by May 5th Parksley [email protected] NORTHAMPTON CUSTOM MILLING “Wood is our specialty” Custom Cabinets - Molding - Flooring Historic Restoration/Replications Columns - Shutters - Much More 7409 RAILROAD AVENUE, NASSAWADOX Located behind Northampton Lumber Company Ed Vance Shop - 442-4747 Cell - 709-2669 April 29, 2011 • EAstErn shorE post • 3 Onancock Clerk Charged with Embezzlement By Linda Cicoira a friend who saw it on TV. “I had not at that point closed sessions of Personnel Committee meetings, will The Town of Onancock has a cash flow problem. heard anything about it and still have not had any prevent such circumstances from arising again.” But it’s not the typical financial woes of government. official communication or notification regarding this The town is hoping to receive public comment In this case, the greenbacks allegedly flowed into a issue,” Bradley said. “It is my understanding that about the best way to receive cash payments. While worker’s pocket. members of the Personnel Committee knew about some want to stop taking cash in June, others see it Town officials debated Monday night whether this days in advance. While I certainly understand as a problem for residents who don’t have checking Onancock Town Office should stop handling cash the sensitivities of the issue, I am shocked that as a accounts. and accept only checks, money orders and debit/cred- member of Council, I did not receive … communica- Resident Liz Omps suggested the town keep the it cards to help alleviate the “temptation.” They also tion of any kind before this story was picked up by cameras in place.