Roanoke County, Virginia – A Roanoke County man has been sentenced to nearly 14 years in federal prison for his role in a violent drug-related robbery and a fatal shooting that occurred in separate incidents tied to an ongoing marijuana distribution operation. The sentence brings an end to a multi-year federal case stemming from crimes committed in 2018 and 2019.
Incident Overview
Damon Tyler Mills, 29, was sentenced to 165 months in federal prison on January 12 for his involvement in a drug robbery and a deadly shooting. Mills previously pleaded guilty in April 2025 to one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
Federal prosecutors said the crimes were connected to Mills’ activities as a marijuana dealer operating in the Roanoke area over several years.
Timeline of Events
Authorities say Mills was involved in marijuana distribution from at least 2016 through 2019, operating out of multiple locations in and around Roanoke County. The criminal case focuses on two key incidents: a violent robbery in November 2018 and a fatal shooting on February 24, 2019.
While the shooting ultimately resulted in federal charges, investigators determined the events were part of a broader pattern of drug-related violence.
Details From Federal Prosecutors
According to information released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia, Mills lived with another man in 2018 who helped him distribute marijuana. After the two had a falling out, the former roommate moved into his father’s home.
In November 2018, Mills and an unidentified accomplice allegedly forced their way into that home wearing ski masks and carrying AR-style firearms and pistols. Prosecutors said the pair assaulted, restrained, and threatened the victim while demanding drugs and cash.
“The defendants beat and bound the victim while demanding information about drugs and drug proceeds,” court documents stated.
When the victim refused to cooperate, the robbers searched the home and eventually took $1,300 in cash and an AK-47 rifle.
Key Facts From the Robbery
During the robbery, the victim’s girlfriend arrived at the home and was also threatened. Prosecutors said she was thrown onto a bed and questioned about the location of drugs and money. When she could not provide information, the suspects took her cell phone and $100 in cash before fleeing.
No one was killed during the robbery, but investigators later linked the incident to the fatal shooting that occurred months later.
Fatal Shooting in February 2019
On February 24, 2019, Roanoke County authorities responded to reports of a disturbance involving firearms at an apartment. Officers arrived to find a victim dead with gunshot wounds to the head and chest.
Investigators identified Mills as the shooter.
Federal prosecutors said Mills was staying at his girlfriend’s apartment at the time and continued selling marijuana from that location. On the day of the shooting, a woman identified as Taylor Miles came to the apartment, allegedly as part of a setup orchestrated by her boyfriend.
What Investigators Determined
Authorities said the boyfriend had planned to rob Mills, believing he would have cash and drugs inside the apartment. When Mills opened the door, the boyfriend suddenly appeared, racked his pistol, and pointed it at Mills.
Mills, who was already armed, fired a shot that struck the man in the chest. Prosecutors said Mills then stood over the victim and fired a second shot to the head, killing him.
Court records describe the final shot as being fired “while the victim was still moving.”
Additional Context on Drug-Related Violence
Federal officials continue to warn that drug trafficking often leads to escalating violence, particularly when firearms are involved. Robberies connected to drugs frequently result in serious injuries or death, placing not only those involved at risk but also innocent bystanders.
Law enforcement agencies emphasize that disputes over drugs and money are among the most common triggers for fatal shootings in residential settings.
Conclusion
Mills’ 165-month federal sentence reflects the seriousness of combining drug trafficking with armed violence, federal prosecutors said. The case highlights how disputes rooted in illegal drug activity can rapidly escalate into deadly encounters.
Call to Action
If you have concerns about drug activity or gun violence in your community, contact local law enforcement or anonymous tip lines to report suspicious behavior. Share your experiences in the comments below.
