Graham Man Sought in Virginia Rape, Strangulation Case Faces Seven Charges

Seven felony warrants have been issued for Christopher Thomas Shepard, 35, of Graham, after investigators say he raped, strangled, and threatened his girlfriend at gunpoint inside their home in Henry County, Virginia. He has not been found.

The victim came forward Sunday morning, April 5, at a Circle K convenience store on the 1500 block of Virginia Avenue in Henry County, where she approached deputies at approximately 9 a.m. She told investigators the assault had taken place the day before at a home on Goffin Drive, where she and Shepard had been living together for roughly eight months. The Henry County Sheriff's Office says she reported physical assault, strangulation, and non-consensual sexual acts, and said Shepard used a firearm to threaten her life during the incident.

Investigators obtained seven warrants covering two counts of rape, strangulation, abduction, assault and battery of a family or household member, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and use of a firearm by a convicted felon. A search warrant was executed at the Goffin Drive residence, but Shepard was not there.

The case spans two states. Shepard is also wanted in North Carolina on a probation violation connected to a prior felony conviction, and authorities have described him as a believed gang member. Despite having lived at the Goffin Drive address, investigators note he has limited ties to Henry County and is primarily from Graham in Alamance County.

Sheriff Wayne Davis confirmed the public alert was issued because of the danger Shepard poses to the community. His office has characterized Shepard as armed and dangerous and is asking anyone with information on his whereabouts to contact the Henry County Sheriff's Office immediately.