ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va. (CBS19 NEWS) -- The Albemarle County Police Department is investigating a possible homicide and suicide.

According to police, 51-year-old Robert Gerald Shifflett of Albemarle County called ACPD on Friday morning to report that his wife, 50-year-old Kristie Powell Shifflett, was missing.

He reported to police that the last time he had seen his wife was at their home on March 21.

Around 12:20 p.m. Saturday, a community member found Kristie’s vehicle abandoned in a remote field in the western part of the county.

After finding the vehicle, detectives met with Robert to get more information, and based on that information, the case switched from a missing persons case to a potential homicide.

Then around 8:40 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to Rockgate Cemetery in Crozet for a report of an unresponsive man.

When they got there, officers found Robert’s body, which is now being investigated as a suspected suicide.

During the investigation, detectives identified a possible location for Kristie, and on Sunday, investigators from ACPD and the Virginia State Police found a body that is believed to be hers in a makeshift grave in a remote area off Yellow Mountain Road.

The remains were taken to the Medical Examiner’s Office in Richmond for identification.

ACPD reports this is being treated as an isolated incident and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Holmes at (434) 296-5808 or CrimeStoppers at (434) 977-4000. Information can also be sent via email to [email protected].  

This is the first homicide reported in Albemarle County in 2024.