Emma Compton Layne’s sister reacts to arrest for murder

HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – On Wednesday evening, the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 67-year-old Russell Wayne Layne for the June 2017 murder of his wife, Emma Compton Layne.

On Friday, WDBJ7 caught up with Emma’s sister, Shawna Krohn, to get her reaction to the arrest after seven long years of fighting for justice. Krohn said Halifax County Sheriff Fred Clark and Investigator Jeff Burton called her just after 6 p.m. Wednesday night to break the news of Layne’s arrest.

“There were a lot of tears, a lot of jumping up and down and screaming, a lot of excitement. I was trying to figure out if I was dreaming and waking up or if it was real,” Krohn said.

52-year-old Emma Layne was reported missing in June 2017. Five months later, her remains were found near her home in Halifax County. Her sister said the last seven years have felt like a drawn-out nightmare.

“I know other families going through this and some of them are still waiting after 32 or 10 years, but it was the longest seven years of my life. “I just want Emma to get justice, I want her to rest,” Krohn said.

Krohn said that while she couldn’t say for sure whether Russell Layne was guilty, she had suspected him since June 2017.

“It’s a relief, a relief that he’s been arrested but Emma still doesn’t get justice. I mean we’re halfway there, there’s still a trial to take place, it’s an ongoing investigation,” Krohn said. “I can’t say that Emma will get justice yet because I don’t know how far the road will take, but I pray and have faith in God and my faith that she is on the path to justice.” As for the closure As far as things go, there is no such thing.”

Krohn said her sister was beautiful inside and out.

“She loved people, she was kind and caring. She did everything she could to help people, even people who didn’t appreciate it and took advantage of her, she would still come back and try to help them,” Krohn said. “She will always be my hero, my biggest cheerleader. Now I want to be her hero, I want to be her cheerleader, I want to keep fighting until she gets justice.”

Krohn said she hopes the public will continue to be a voice for Emma as the court case continues. She also delivered a message of hope to other families who have endured similar tragedies and are waiting for justice.

“Don’t stop, don’t give up, don’t lose your faith in God. Miracles happen every day, and Thanksgiving evening is proof that miracles can happen, they do happen, and that God has the final say in everything,” Krohn said.

Russell Layne is being held at the Blue Ridge Regional Jail and has a hearing scheduled for 11 a.m. Dec. 2 in Halifax County Circuit Court

Copyright 2024 WDBJ. All rights reserved.