Shooting Investigation in Widener Valley: Justin Olinger Hospitalized, Billy Rhymer Charged with Attempted Murder
Washington County, VA – June 13, 2025 — The quiet community of Widener Valley was shaken on the evening of June 12 when an escalating dispute between two Glade Spring residents erupted in gunfire, leaving one man seriously injured and another under arrest facing multiple felony charges.
At approximately 9:48 p.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Office received a distressing 911 call reporting a man on the front porch of a home in the 36000 block of Widener Valley Road, stating he had been shot. Deputies quickly responded to the scene and discovered Justin Olinger, 45, suffering from a gunshot wound to his shoulder. Emergency Medical Services promptly rendered aid at the scene before Olinger was airlifted to Johnson City Medical Center, where he is currently receiving treatment for non-life-threatening injuries.
The initial investigation revealed that the shooting was the result of a confrontation between Olinger and Billy D. Rhymer, 69, at Rhymer’s nearby residence. Authorities believe an argument between the two men escalated into violence, ultimately leading to Olinger being shot. The motive behind the altercation remains under investigation.
As the situation developed, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team (SRT) executed a search warrant at Rhymer’s home. While deputies were still processing the scene, Rhymer returned to the property and was immediately taken into custody without incident.
Following his arrest, Billy Rhymer was formally charged with the following serious offenses under the Code of Virginia:
- Attempted Second Degree Murder (§ 18.2-26/18.2-32)
- Aggravated Malicious Wounding (§ 18.2-51.2)
- Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony (§ 18.2-53.1)
- Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon (§ 18.2-308.2)
Rhymer is currently being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail without bond as the legal process moves forward. Additional details regarding prior convictions have not yet been released, but the charges underscore the seriousness of the situation and the criminal history of the suspect.
Sheriff Blake Andis issued a brief statement following the arrest, saying:
“This is a deeply troubling incident in a normally peaceful area of our county. We are thankful for the swift actions of our deputies and EMS personnel, and we are committed to ensuring justice is served.”
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are interviewing witnesses, processing forensic evidence, and reviewing any available surveillance footage from nearby homes. They have not ruled out additional charges, pending the results of the investigation.
Residents of the Widener Valley area expressed shock over the incident, with many describing both men as known community members. However, few were aware of any ongoing conflict between the two prior to the shooting.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with further information about the incident to contact their tip line at 276-676-6000.
This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly personal disputes can escalate with deadly consequences. The community now awaits answers and justice, while one man recovers from his injuries and another faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence.