AMELIA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The family of 18-year-old Lilly Patman, who was killed in a hunting accident in Amelia County in December, is speaking out after a family friend has been charged in connection to her death.
According to Amelia County Commonwealth’s Attorney Lee Harrison, 68-year-old Thomas Farleigh turned himself in to the Amelia County Courthouse on Thursday, Feb. 3, and is facing charges in connection to the death of 18-year-old Lilly Patman.
Lilly was found dead by her father, Clint Patman, and her younger brother, Clinton II, in a neighboring property owned by Farleigh on Dec. 29, 2023. She was found wearing a blaze orange vest and had a single gunshot wound that was not self-inflicted, according to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
The family of six were on Farleigh’s property to participate in his annual deer drive — a hunting technique that makes deer move out of their hiding spots.
Farleigh has been charged with felony involuntary manslaughter and felony reckless handling of a firearm in connection to Lilly Patman’s death, according to officials.
The family of Lilly Patman said Farleigh has been a family friend for over 20 years, and his arrest has only added onto their pain of losing their loved one. However, they will continue to seek justice for Lilly Patman.
“As advocates for hunting and gun safety, we are committed to help prevent such senseless tragedies from occurring again. In these trying times, our faith in God provides solace, guiding us through the darkness as we navigate the painful aftermath,” the Patman Family said.
Farleigh has since been released on a $10,000 bond and will appear in court at the Amelia County Courthouse for a hearing on Feb. 16 to indicate who his attorney is. The case will then be continued on April 2, for a status hearing with his attorney.
