Anthony Cupec, 45, fatally shot in Lynchburg, Virginia

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Lynchburg Man Fatally Shot in Parking Lot Altercation; Suspect Charged With Murder

LYNCHBURG, Va. — A 45-year-old Lynchburg resident, Anthony Wayne "Tony" Cupec, was fatally shot Oct. 8 during an argument in a parking lot on the city's south side, authorities said, prompting a swift arrest aided by community surveillance footage.

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The shooting occurred around 9 p.m. near the intersection of 12th and Pierce streets in the Diamond Hill neighborhood, police reported. Cupec, who was taken to Lynchburg General Hospital by emergency responders, was pronounced dead from a single gunshot wound.

Investigators described the incident as stemming from a dispute between Cupec and 43-year-old Larry Kersey, a Lynchburg resident. Video from nearby security cameras operated by the Lynchburg Peacemakers showed the two men conversing before Cupec walked to his vehicle. Kersey allegedly arrived in a dark sedan, exited the car and held Cupec at gunpoint while removing a bag from the trunk of Cupec's car. As Cupec pleaded for its return, an argument escalated, culminating in Kersey firing a single shot.

Cupec staggered back to his vehicle and collapsed. Paramedics arrived within minutes. Kersey fled the scene but was apprehended less than 12 hours later, thanks to the Peacemakers' footage and tips from community members. He faces charges of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Kersey appeared in Lynchburg General District Court on Oct. 10 for his advisement hearing, where a judge appointed him an attorney. A preliminary hearing is set for February.

Cupec's death has devastated his family, who remembered him as a devoted husband, stepfather and the "glue" holding them together. His widow, Malinda Privett, recounted their last moments together that evening: "I kissed him goodbye and told him I loved him, and I just thought he'd be back in a couple of hours." Cupec leaves behind four stepchildren, whose biological father died during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. A stepdaughter described him as a man who "made everyone feel loved," his vibrant personality touching countless lives in the community.

Born in 1980 to Ronald and Wanda Cupec, Tony grew up in a close-knit family and was known for his kindness and humor. A GoFundMe campaign launched by a family friend has raised funds for funeral expenses, with services handled by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory.

The shooting has spurred community action against gun violence. On Oct. 15 — one week after the incident — local leaders, including representatives from One Community One Voice and the Peacemakers, held a unity walk through the Diamond Hill area to promote safety and healing. Participants emphasized the need for better surveillance and support networks to prevent future tragedies.

Police extended condolences to Cupec's family and credited community partnerships for the rapid resolution. "These are the types of violent crimes we don't want to see in our city," said John Hartzell, a Lynchburg Police Department spokesman.