DADI.org

BOWLING GREEN - Donna Lee Blanton, the widow of slain Virginia State Police 1st Sgt. Taylor V. Blanton, today was arrested at her Caroline County home and charged with first-degree murder in her husband's death.

Donna Blanton had told investigators that her husband had been shot to death by an intruder about 6 a.m. last Thursday and that she picked up the gun used in the shooting and fired at the fleeing intruder.

"I don't know that her story has changed," Col. Steve Flaherty, head of the Virginia State Police, said during a news conference tonight outside the Caroline Sheriff's Office to announce Blanton's arrest.

In addition to being charged with murder, she was charged with use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

She was being held without bond at the Pamunkey Regional Jail in Hanover County, pending a court appearance on Tuesday.

Flaherty said the decision to arrest Blanton came at a meeting yesterday of state police and sheriff's investigators and Caroline Commonwealth's Attorney Harvey Latney.

She was taken into custody about 4:45 p.m. without incident, Flaherty said.

The decision to arrest Blanton was based on physical evidence that Flaherty said investigators had gathered.

But he would not discuss what evidence allegedly linked her to the slaying.

"We are not in a position to comment on any physical evidence," he said.

Flaherty said investigators do not have any evidence to indicate anyone else was involved in the slaying.

Two days before the shooting, the Blantons reported that someone had broken into their home and rifled 46-year-old Taylor Blanton's wallet while he was in the shower. A note that began "I.C.U.T." was left behind. Police believe it was shorthand for "I see you, Taylor."