WYTHE COUNTY, Va. — Calvin Junior Duncan II, 35, has been sentenced to 44 years and one month in prison for the murder of 59-year-old Ronnie Akers, whose body was discovered in a burned vehicle in Rural Retreat, Virginia, on January 13, 2023.
Duncan, who pleaded no contest to several charges in October 2024, will serve time for first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, arson, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and disposal of a dead body.
The Wythe County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call around 3:47 a.m. on January 13, 2023, reporting a fire in the 400 block of Saint Paul Church Road. When deputies arrived at the scene, they found a vehicle fully engulfed in flames. Once the fire was extinguished, a body was discovered inside, later identified as Ronnie Akers.
Investigators revealed that Duncan shot Akers three times before attempting to cover up the crime by placing Akers’ body in a truck and setting it on fire. Despite an extensive investigation, the motive behind the murder remains unclear, as Duncan provided no explanation for his actions.
Wythe County Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Jones condemned Duncan’s actions, calling the crime “heinous.” Jones stated, “This was a heinous act committed by the defendant. He shot an unarmed man three times and then attempted to cover up his actions by placing the body of Mr. Akers in a truck and setting it on fire.” He further expressed, “Duncan gave no reason for his actions and was sentenced to the top end of the sentencing guidelines. This sentence will do nothing to bring Mr. Akers back, a man who was deeply loved by his family. I hope that the family of Mr. Akers can now start the long process of healing in the months and years to come.”
The investigation, led by the Wythe County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police, was thorough, ultimately leading to Duncan’s conviction. Jones praised law enforcement agencies for their work in ensuring justice for Akers’ family.
“This is a tragic case, and I hope that today’s sentence provides a measure of justice for Mr. Akers’ family,” Jones said. “Our thoughts remain with them during this difficult time.”
Duncan’s sentencing brings closure to a case that shocked the Wythe County community, serving as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of violent crime.
