New Church man behind bars for Wednesday night shooting, charged with murder

According to Sheriff W. Todd Wessells, on September 10, 2025 at approximately 11:24 p.m. the 9-1-1 Center broadcasted “shots fired” at the Royal Farms located at 33620 Chincoteague Road. The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office dispatched deputies to the scene.

Upon deputies’ arrival they discovered an unresponsive male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.

Miguel Ethan Soto Trader, 25, of New Church, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The decedent was transported to the Norfolk Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death.

An investigation into this incident has led to warrants being obtained for David Dean Bowden Jr., 19, of New Church, Virginia. Bowden is currently incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied. Bowden was charged with the following:

• Seconc Degree Murder
• Discharge a Firearm within a Building
• Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony
• Unlawful Wounding

The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Virginia State Police, Wallops Flight Facility Fire Department, Oak Hall Rescue, and the Accomack County Department of Public Safety.

An investigation into this incident is continuing. Anyone with information on this or any other crime is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office at (757) 787-1131 or (757) 824-5666 or tips may be submitted through our website at accomackcountysheriffsoffice.org.