Onancock man under arrest, charged with murder and other crimes in morning Accomac incident

Pictured: Accomack County Sheriff’s Office Investigators outside the crime scene Thursday morning. 

According to Sheriff W. Todd Wessells, on March 20, 2025 at approximately 5:31 a.m. Eastern Shore Emergency Operations Center advised the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office of a male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound at 23135 Lankford Highway, Accomac.

Upon deputies arrival they discovered an unresponsive male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.  A search of the building led to the discovery of a female victim suffering from apparent gunshot wounds as well. 

Pradipkumar Ratilal Patel, 56, of Accomac, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The decedent was transported to the Norfolk Medical Examiner’s Office to determine the cause of death.

The female, 24 of Accomac, was transported by Maryland State Police Trooper 7 to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. The female is currently in critical condition.

An investigation into this incident has led to warrants being obtained for George Frazier Devon Wharton, 44, of Onancock, Virginia. Wharton is currently incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied. Wharton was charged with the following:

• 1st Degree Murder
• Attempted 1st Degree Murder
• Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony (x2)
• Possession of a Firearm by a Felon

The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Virginia State Police, Parksley Volunteer Fire Department, 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.