‘Senseless tragedy’: Fluvanna man to spend decades in prison for aunt’s murder

FLUVANNA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- A Fluvanna County man will spend more than three decades in prison for the 2023 murder of his aunt.

At about 6:15 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6, 2023, deputies with the Fluvanna County Sheriff's Office were called to a home in the 100 block of Ferncliff Farms Lane for report of a disturbance.

When the deputies arrived, witnesses led them inside the home and to 57-year-old Carolyn Faith Grooms, who had severe head injuries. Witnesses, deputies and emergency medical personnel all tried to save Grooms' life, but she tragically died.

Quentin Lamar Burgess -- Grooms' nephew, who lived at the home -- was arrested and charged in connection with Grooms' death. He later pleaded guilty to her second-degree murder.

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For this charge, Burgess was sentenced to 40 years in prison with 5 years suspended, meaning his active sentence is 35 years.

In a Feb. 26 Facebook post, the sheriff's office offered its "sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of Carolyn Faith Grooms as they continue to cope with this senseless tragedy."

"Incidents of violence within the home have lasting and devastating impacts on families and
communities," said Major David R. Wells in the post. "The sheriff’s office encourages anyone experiencing domestic conflict, emotional distress or a mental health crisis to seek assistance before situations escalate. Resources are available locally and statewide for those in need of support."