Law Enforcement Still Seeking Information in 1988 Murder of Tammy Thorpe

WARRENTON, Va. — Nearly 38 years after 20-year-old Tammy Thorpe was found shot to death on a gravel lane just outside the town limits of Warrenton, law enforcement remains steadfast in seeking information that will lead to the identity of the person or persons responsible for her murder.

Her family has strived to keep her memory alive and remains hopeful that someone will remember something and come forward with a tip that will help solve her case, which has plagued Fauquier County since 1988.

It’s a meaningful time for Tammy’s loved ones as her birthday is approaching on Tuesday, June 30th.

“Tammy was a beloved daughter and sister who was kind, caring, and sweet.  She loved life.  She lived life to the fullest.  Although her life was short, she left a lasting impression on everyone that she met,” Tammy’s brother, Ricky Thorpe said.  “Her family loves and misses her very much and she is thought of every day.  The family would greatly appreciate anyone’s help in solving this case by coming forward and contacting the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office.”

Virginia State Police joined the investigation in 2023 and have been assisting the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office. Together, the agencies are exploring new investigative techniques and testing.

Tammy was last seen around 2:45 am in Warrenton getting gas. She had attended a dance at the Ruritan Club in Marshall earlier in the evening wearing a white blouse, blue pants, flat-heeled shoes, and a watch. Tammy’s body was found off Route 17 at 7:30 that morning on October 23, 1988. She had been shot twice in the head with a 25-caliber pistol. Her car – a gold 1986 Pontiac Grand Am with personalized Virginia license plates reading “86-TAMMY” – was found that same morning parked at the Warrenton Plaza Shopping Center. It was unlocked with keys still in the ignition, the driver seat pushed back, and her dark blue purse left inside. Nothing appeared to be missing from her purse, and there were no drugs or alcohol found at the scene or in her vehicle.

While there have been suspects over the years, evidence has not confirmed their involvement.

“My thoughts remain with the victim’s family and loved ones as they continue to seek answers. Investigators remain committed to pursuing all available leads in this case. We encourage anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward and assist law enforcement,” said Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant John Payne, the lead agent on the case.

Law enforcement is hopeful that someone will remember Tammy, remember seeing her that night, or possibly remember hearing something regarding what happened to her.

Tammy’s sister, Lisa Thorpe, thinks of her often. “I wonder what our lives together would look like.  Would we get our nails done together or would Tammy still do her own?  She wanted to have five children and to spend her life being a good mother.  We celebrated our birthday’s together, and mom always said we were like twins at times.  She was a nice person, a good sister and it is hard to put into words what happened to her.  She did not get to experience a lot of things in life, I wish she was still here,” she said.

Anyone who has any information that could assist in the investigation into Tammy Thorpe’s death is urged to contact the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office at 540-347-3300.

Fauquier County is a county in Virginia's Piedmont. Its county seat is Warrenton. The county is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors (Chairman Kevin T. Carter, Vice Chairman Richard R. Gerhardt, Edwin W. Broaddus, Daron L. Culbertson and A. Regan Washer), which appoints the County Administrator. Constitutional officers include Sheriff Robert P. Mosier and Commonwealth's Attorney Scott C. Hook. The Board of Supervisors office is at 29 Ashby Street, 4th Floor, Warrenton, and can be reached at 540-422-8020 or BOS@fauquiercounty.gov. Source: fauquiercounty.gov.