Henry County Sheriff Lane Perry has assembled a multi-agency task force to review the murders of Michael, Mary and Jennifer Short.
In 2002, Mike and Mary Short were shot to death in their home in Henry County, Virginia. Their 9-year-old daughter Jennifer was missing until her body was found six weeks later in Rockingham County, North Carolina.
In February 2019, the family’s home in Virginia burned to the ground. Investigators said at the time the murders and fire didn’t appear to be connected. The sheriff says he thinks all useable evidence was already retrieved from the home, and the investigation won’t be hurt by the loss of the house.
The murders of the Short family have always been an ongoing investigation. Through the passing of time, most of the original investigators have retired or left law enforcement. The task force will be bringing new investigators up to speed with the case and looking fort information that may lead to a suspect. They will be reviewing the case in its entirety. This review will include the physical evidence to determine if advancements in forensic technology may be able to develop a suspect.
The task force is comprised of personnel from Henry County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Virginia State Police, and Rockingham Count, NC, Sheriff’s Office. Each of these agencies will be providing investigative assistance and resources.
Perry believes there is someone out there who has information that may solve the case. The Sherriff’s Office encourages people to come forward with that information, no matte how small it may seem.
Henry County and the Martinsville-Henry County Crimestoppers are currently offering a reward of $62,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the deaths of the Short family.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (276) 638-8751.
Republished courtesy of Henry County Sheriff's Office. Photo: Part of reward poster from the Henry County Sheriff's Office.