HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) -- The stepmother of a man found murdered in a Mechanicsville man's mobile home Christmas morning said the victim was delivering a Christmas gift.
Lt. Chris Whitley said in a news release that the Sheriff’s Office responded was called to Wood's home for an unresponsive person report around 8 a.m.
That's where deputies discovered 49-year-old George A. Teal, of the 8400 block of Lincoln Road, lying on the floor suffering from apparent trauma.
Teal was taken to the hospital, but later died as a result of his injuries at VCU Medical Center.
Hanover County sheriff's deputies arrested 53-year-old Keith M. Wood, of the 8000 block of Peaks Road, in connection with Teal's death.
Wood, who was charged with first-degree murder Thursday, is being held without bond at the Pamunkey Regional Jail.
Wood was arraigned and given a court appointed attorney in Hanover County General District Court Friday. His next hearing is scheduled for Feb. 21.
CBS 6 News reporter Jon Burkett spoke with the victim's family about his relationship with his accused killer.
Teal's stepmother said Teal, who suffered a stroke a few years ago, went over to Wood's house to deliver a gift on Christmas Eve.
"We wrapped up a gift and put some toiletries and a blanket together," she said.
She said her stepson suffered blunt force trauma to his head, had collapsed lungs and broken ribs.
Teal is Hanover County's first murder victim of 2013. The county had five killings in 2012 and two in 2011.
Neighbors said violence is a rarity in the rural community and it really hits hard when it's someone they know and love.
Neighbors said Teal was a friend to everyone. Even though he had health struggles, he was a man with conviction and a spiritual purpose.
"Many times we'd pray at the fence. He needed a prayer so we started to pray," said a neighbor.
"Investigators continue to evaluate all evidence in this case and are working closely with the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner," Whitley said in a news release.
If you have information that could help investigators, call the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office at 804-365-6140 or the Metro Richmond Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.
Stay with WTVR.com and watch CBS 6 News for updates on this developing story.
