A Virginia woman who admitted to killing three of her roommates in 2024 has been sentenced to nearly a century in prison. Alyssa Venable, 24, was convicted of murdering 60-year-old Gregory Scott Powell, 65-year-old Carol Anne Reese, and 77-year-old Robert John McGuire.
Following a dramatic flight from justice, including a high-speed chase in New York, Venable was sentenced to 99 years in a Virginia state penitentiary.
A Triple Murder and Desperate Escape
The horrifying crime was discovered on June 4, 2024, when one of the roommates returned home to find a body. Deputies quickly arrived at the Fredericksburg, Virginia, home, where they discovered all three victims dead. Venable, the prime suspect, had fled the scene in her car, leaving behind a chilling trail of events.
Authorities quickly issued a warning that Venable was armed and dangerous, and a search for her ensued. Several days later, she was spotted driving her 2009 Honda Civic in Steuben County, New York.
When police attempted to stop her, she fled, driving at speeds of 100 mph. The chase ended when troopers successfully deployed a tire-deflating device, causing her to crash.
A Disturbing Trail of Evidence
Before fleeing, Venable left behind unsettling evidence of her actions and state of mind. According to court records, she left instructions on how to care for her dog and even provided a note with passwords and details for her accounts.
She had also confided in a friend that “she hurt people” and reportedly told her grandmother she was “desperate for help.” Local reports revealed that she had dropped her dog off with someone prior to the murders, acting strangely and leaving behind a note that suggested she was contemplating suicide.
Despite her actions, her grandmother believed that Venable was not only a danger to others but also to herself.
Criminal History and Sentencing
Venable’s violent behavior was not an isolated incident. She had a lengthy criminal history that began in 2019 with charges of shoplifting and later expanded to charges including reckless driving and assault. This history of criminal activity, combined with the brutal murders, led to the harsh sentence handed down by the court.
In addition to her 99-year sentence for the triple murder, Venable was also given 14 additional years for a felony firearms charge.
Family’s Statement and Legal Outcome
While the sentence provides some measure of justice for the victims and their families, it does little to alleviate the pain caused by such a senseless and brutal crime. The families of the victims were left grappling with their loss, while Venable’s actions and her attempt to flee brought even more horror to an already devastating situation.
“This is a tragic situation, and while we cannot undo what’s been done, we hope this sentence provides some level of justice for the families of the victims,” said a statement from the prosecution.
Alyssa Venable’s sentence marks the end of a long and tragic legal battle. With her nearly 100-year prison term, Venable will spend the rest of her life behind bars for her role in the deaths of three innocent individuals. While the legal process has concluded, the
