Twins sought in Blackstone assault surrender

Twin brothers sought in an assault that was followed by a string of shootings in Blackstone have turned themselves in, Police Chief Nicholas C. Kuzmiak said today.

Lionel Leo Hardy and Lionell Lee Hardy, 23, have been charged with malicious wounding and possession of a firearm by a felon, Kuzmiak said. Lionel Leo Hardy turned himself in Tuesday night and his brother surrendered Wednesday.

They were sought in connection with the pistol-whipping of a man Nov. 3.

Later that evening, authorities found a nearby car had been struck by bullets. Late Nov. 6 and early Nov. 7, police said there were shots fired into two occupied residences. No one was injured. The brothers have not been charged in connection with the shootings. Police said their investigation is continuing.

A sister, Lori Lea Hardy, 30, suspected of driving the Hardys to the original assault, was earlier arrested at her home and also charged with malicious wounding and possession of a firearm by a felon, the police chief said.

The episodes drew the attention of an unusually large police presence in Blackstone, including town police, the Nottoway County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police.