Virginia Beach Man Sentenced to Life in Prison After Stabbing 63-Year-Old Homeowner More Than 90 Times and Hiding Her Body in Backyard Toolbox
VIRGINIA BEACH, VIRGINIA — A 41-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison plus an additional five years after being convicted of first-degree murder and stabbing in the commission of a felony in the killing of a 63-year-old woman whose body was later found hidden in a backyard toolbox.
According to reports, Hagen Lawrence Roberts received the sentence Wednesday following his conviction in the 2020 death of Cynthia Capps.
Victim Reported Missing After Blood Found in Kitchen
The crime dates back to October 8, 2020, when Cynthia Capps was reported missing from her Virginia Beach home. Her husband became alarmed and called 911 after discovering blood on the couple’s kitchen floor.
Investigators soon learned that Roberts had been renting a room in the home from the couple.
When officers forced entry into Roberts’ locked bedroom, they reportedly found him freshly showered with a cut on his hand.
Body Discovered in Backyard Toolbox
Authorities later discovered Capps’ body concealed inside a toolbox in the backyard. Court records indicate she had been stabbed more than 90 times.
Evidence presented during the investigation revealed that a broken knife recovered from Roberts’ room matched a metal fragment found in the victim’s skull.
Prosecutors also stated that DNA belonging to both Roberts and Capps was identified on the weapon and on blood-stained clothing recovered during the investigation.
Conviction and Sentencing
Roberts was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder as well as stabbing in the commission of a felony. The court sentenced him to life in prison, along with an additional five years.
Officials did not publicly disclose a motive for the attack during sentencing proceedings.
The case drew attention in the community due to the circumstances surrounding the crime, including the victim renting a room in her home to the man later convicted in her killing.
What are your thoughts on this case and sentencing outcome? Share your perspective at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
