JONESVILLE, Va. — Lee County, Virginia Sheriff’s Department is still looking into three cold cases in the western part of the county. Sheriff Officer Lt. Bobby Ellis, an investigator for the sheriff’s department, said while these cases qualify as “cold” he is continuously working on them.

The first is a daytime break-in of the Ewing home of Bob Parkey that occurred June 6, 2006.

“Mr. Parkey had left his residence at approximately at 10:30 a.m. and returned to his residence about 2:30 p.m. He noticed that someone had broken through the entrance door and went into the residence,” said Ellis.

The burglar or burglars had gone throughout the home searching for items to steal, during the four hours (approximate) that the home was empty.

“There were several long-guns and handguns taken from the residence along with several knives, assorted jewelry, some change and bills taken. Everything missing from the residence was valued at about $8,200,” Ellis said.

The sheriff’s department has the serial numbers of stolen items and there is a standing reward of $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons who committed the home robbery.

Lt. Ellis said there were two more unsolved cases in western Lee County and both involved the armed robbery of Pappy’s, on old U.S. Highway 58, near the Tennessee state line.

“This was a strong-armed robbery that occurred on May 29, 2005. The suspect went into the store with a .22 caliber long-rifle and was fully covered up. He was described as a white male approximately six feet tall, about 150 pounds and had blue eyes,” Ellis stated.

There was a video camera in the store at the time of the robbery, however it was mostly covered by merchandise and the video did not show the robber’s face.

“We are gong on statements from the cashier on the weight and what the suspect was wearing,” said Ellis.

The suspect took money from the cash draw and left, about 9:30 p.m.

The second armed robbery also occurred at Pappy’s, this time on December 1, 2005. The robber went into the store, armed with a tire tool about 11:40 p.m.

“He told the cashier to give him the money from the cash drawer. He reached up and knocked the camera down,” added Ellis described.

The robber has been described by the cashier as a skinny built white male approximately six feet tall, weighing around 150 pounds, with light colored eyes, and sort of blondish hair.

Ellis said the second robbery could have been carried out by the same person who robbed the store in May 2005, as the physical description tends to fit the same criminal.

“These are three really cold cases that we are looking at. If anybody has any information they may contact the Lee County Sheriff’s Department. Names will be kept confidential on whatever information they give use on any of these three cases. Any information we can follow-up on will really be appreciated,” Ellis stated.

Lt. Bobby Ellis may be reached at the Lee County Dispatch at 276-346-7777.

C.J. Harte is a Correspondent for the Daily News. He can be reached via e-mail at charte@middlesborodailynews.com.