ROCKY MOUNT, Va. (WDBJ) – Qu’Shawn Manns, at the heart of a 2022 mistrial in the Franklin County murder case, has pleaded guilty to the murder of his long-time friend Justin Prillaman. On February 5, 2025, a Franklin County judge sentenced Manns to 20 years in prison for the crime, to be served alongside his previous sentences for other charges from 2022.
Manns was one of six individuals arrested in connection with the shooting death of Justin Prillaman in 2020. The two had been close friends since childhood. In 2022, a jury could not reach a unanimous verdict in the case, leading to a mistrial.
Justina Spencer, Prillaman’s mother, expressed relief after years of waiting for justice. “I think Justin is smiling down today because we finally got justice and can move forward,” she said.
For Justina, the past five years of waiting for justice have been excruciating. “I’m relieved that it’s finally over. Of course, no justice will bring my son back, but to have it behind us and not have to see Mr. Manns anymore is a blessing,” she added.
Prillaman, 20, was found dead in July 2020 at a residence on Salthouse Branch Road. The loss has been an unimaginable pain for Justina and her family. “It’s been the hardest time of my life. My family has seen the worst in me, but also the best. My son lives on through us all,” she shared, emphasizing the enduring presence of her son’s memory.
In court, Justina read aloud a heartfelt Facebook post written by Justin to Manns on his birthday, three years prior to his death. “We’ve been best friends since we were four, and it’s crazy we’ve been this close for 14 years,” Justina quoted from the post, a poignant reminder of the bond they once shared.
Manns chose not to address the court, and now faces his sentence in state prison.
