Charles Roosevelt Abbitt, Jr. Image courtesy of Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority

On Thursday in Appomattox County Circuit Court, 37-year-old Spout Spring resident Charles Roosevelt Abbitt, Jr. pleaded guilty to felony voluntary manslaughter and felony possession of a gun by a non-violent felon in connection with the July 21, 2021 death of 34-year-old Carlos Rican Roman, Jr., also of Spout Spring.

Roman, Jr., died of a shotgun wound at Spring Grove Road in Spout Spring.

Abbitt, Jr. was sentenced to serve eight years with an additional seven years suspended predicated on conditions of good behavior and four years of supervised probation. Restitution is in the amount of $5307.94.

Abbitt, Jr's case had been scheduled for a jury trial on Sept. 1 before he entered a guilty plea on reduced charges.

Initial charges brought against Abbitt Jr. had been second degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (first offense), possession of a weapon by a violent felon, and malicious wounding.

Two charges were dropped against Abbitt, Jr., which were use of a firearm in the commission of a felony (first offense) and malicious wounding.

Abbitt Jr. has been incarcerated since his arrest shortly following the deadly incident.

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