Photo: Taniko Belt Facebook

ROANOKE POLICE UPDATE: Roanoke Police have arrested Todd Manns, 35 of Roanoke, and charged him with second-degree murder regarding the homicide of Taniko Belt. Throughout the course of the investigation, Detectives identified Mr. Manns as the suspect. Mr. Manns and Ms. Belt were known to one another, and we believe this is an isolated incident. Warrants for the above charges were obtained and served without incident on May 7th. We would like to thank the U.S. Marshals Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force for their assistance taking Mr. Manns into custody.

PREVIOUS:  Roanoke Police have identified the victim as Taniko Belt, 46 of Roanoke.

PREVIOUS: On May 2, 2021 at approximately 11:30 p.m., Roanoke Police were notified of shots fired near the intersection of Panorama Avenue NW and Westside Boulevard NW. As officers were responding to that location, they received reports of a motor vehicle crash on Peters Creek Road NW, between Shenandoah Avenue NW and Salem Turnpike NW. Officers responded to the crash and located a single vehicle in the median close to a power pole that was lying in the roadway. It appears as though the vehicle crashed into the pole and then came to rest in the median. Officers located the driver of the vehicle, an adult female, who was unresponsive. It was discovered that she had fatal gunshot wounds, and was pronounced deceased on scene by Roanoke Fire-EMS personnel.

Her identity will be released after her family is properly notified. Preliminary investigation indicates the original shots fired call is connected to the motor vehicle crash. It is believed that this incident started in the 3800 block of Panorama Drive NW. No suspects were located on scene and no arrests have been made at this time. This is an ongoing homicide investigation. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call (540)344-8500 and share what you know. You can also text us at 274637; please begin the text with “RoanokePD” to ensure it’s properly sent. Both calls and texts can remain anonymous.