Police investigating fatal shooting in Accomack Co.

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. – What started out as a regular early morning at the Shore Stop Gas Station in Accomack County turned into a tragedy for 56-year-old Pradipkumar Patel, who was allegedly shot and killed by 44-year-old George Wharton.

Another unidentified 24-year-old female, who was with Patel, was also shot. She was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, where she is in critical condition.

Athena Farlow, an Accomack County native told WMDT the family-run gas station is a staple in the small community.

“They could be considered like family, because they treated you like family,” said Farlow.

Word of the fatal shooting has rapidly spread on Facebook, and so has a disturbing video, allegedly taken on scene.

investigators said they are aware of the clip, reportedly taken by a patron of the gas station.

Farlow said the tragedy is bad enough, but the circulation of the video is hurting the community even more.

“The only thing that I’ll say is, it was horrific, and there’s no respect for the dead on it at all,” said Farlow.

With no clear motive and the investigation ongoing, Farlow said she hopes the alleged suspect is held accountable.

“I hope that they get what’s coming to them. I know that that doesn’t sound really nice, and it sounds ugly, but I hope that they absolutely get what’s coming to them. To take 2 innocent lives, that’s not OK,” said Farlow.