In February 1989, 26-year-old Walter Noonie Custer of Shenandoah County, Virginia, was found murdered in an apple orchard. He was the first victim in a series of killings carried out by his roommate, 32-year-old Dennis Wayne Eaton, in a violent episode tied to a love triangle involving 24-year-old Judy Ann McDonald. Eaton reportedly threatened to kill both Custer and McDonald because of jealousy over their relationship.

After Custer’s killing, Eaton shot and killed a 68-year-old neighbor, Ripley Elwood Marston, to steal a car and cash, then fled with McDonald. They were stopped by State Trooper Jerry L. Hines, 48, who was shot and killed by Eaton during the traffic stop. The incident ended in Salem, Virginia, where Eaton shot McDonald and then shot himself; Eaton survived and was arrested and charged with Custer’s first-degree murder.

Does anyone have information about Walter Noonie Custer’s life in Shenandoah County or memories from that February 1989 period that could shed light on his relationships or movements?