Hanover resident indicted in fatal fight

A Hanover County man accused of beating a 69-year-old Louisa County man to death in August was indicted by a Louisa County grand jury on a charge of first-degree murder yesterday.

Deputy Commonwealth's Attorney Rusty McGuire said the grand jury's indictment of Jerome Mallory on the murder charge stemmed from a fight that left Charles Eugene Houchens fatally injured outside his home in Bumpass.

Mallory, 42, initially had been charged with second-degree murder, "but after reviewing the case, we elevated it to first-degree murder -- a homicide in the commission of a robbery," McGuire said.

Mallory faces life in prison if convicted.

Houchens pulled a shotgun on Mallory during an argument the night of Aug. 2, police said. Mallory wrestled the shotgun away, then punched and kicked Houchens until the older man fell, police said. Mallory then stole Houchens' money, authorities said.

Mallory called authorities at 1:30 a.m. from the scene of the fight, about four hours after police believe it happened. When deputies arrived to find Houchens unconscious on the road, Mallory said he acted in self-defense, police said. Houchens died of his injuries a week later.

Mallory and Houchens worked part-time jobs together and were distant cousins, police said.

Mallory, who is being held without bond at the Central Virginia Regional Jail in Orange, will be arraigned next month.

Contact Carlos Santos at (434) 295-9542 or .