Christopher Lee Saunders

Roanoke Police are investigating their first murder case of the new year, and they are looking for a suspect.  Police say they are seeking 24-year old Christopher Lee Saunders of Roanoke for the murder of 56-year-old Jeffrey Hairston. More from WFIR’s Evan Jones.

[audio:http://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/01-04-Roanoke-Murder-Voicer-WEB.mp3|titles=01-04 Roanoke Murder Voicer-WEB]

(Continue reading for the full Roanoke Police news release)

Here is the full Roanoke Police news release:

Roanoke, VA-The Roanoke Police Department is investigating a murder. Officers responded on January 2, 2012, at 12:40 p.m. to a residence in the 4200 block of Hershberger Road in reference to a breaking and entering and aggravated assault.  Upon arrival officers located an adult female who stated that a male suspect forced entry into the residence and assaulted her and an adult male inside of the residence.  Both victims were transported to Lewis Gale Medical Center.  The male victim was identified as Jeffrey Lindale Hairston, age 56 of Roanoke.  Mr. Hairston was pronounced dead on the night of January 3, 2012.  No arrests have been made, however warrants have been obtained for Christopher Lee Saunders, age 24 of Roanoke.  The warrants for Mr. Saunders include breaking and entering, malicious wounding, and assault and battery, and were obtained prior to Mr. Hairston’s death.  Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Mr. Saunders should call 911.