Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

---

All charges were dismissed against a Halifax County man accused of murdering his wife back in 2017.

Russell Layne was found not guilty and was dismissed of all charges in the murder of Emma Layne.

The jury reportedly deliberated for four hours before returning with a verdict of "not guilty."

Emma was reported missing on June 20, 2017.

READ MORE: bit.ly/4yj1Ek0
_______________
Follow WSET on social media:

WSET-TV ABC News 13 on Facebook: facebook.com/ABC13News
WSET-TV ABC News 13 on Twitter: twitter.com/ABC13News
WSET-TV ABC News 13 on Instagram: instagram.com/abc13_wset/?hl=en
WSET-TV ABC News 13 on TikTok: tiktok.com/discover/Abc-13-wset

Subscribe to WSET-TV on YouTube: youtube.com/@wsetabc1373/featured

Watch more top local news stories: wset.com/news/local

For all of the day’s top local and national news, visit wset.com
Watch our live newscasts and other live video at wset.com/watch


Have a news tip? Send it directly to us:

Email us: newsdesk@wset.com
Call the Newsroom: 431.455.5131


WSET is a VA based station and an ABC Television affiliate owned and operated by Sinclair Broadcast Group. Sinclair, Inc. is one of the largest and most diversified television broadcasting companies in the country today. Sinclair owns and operates, programs or provides sales services to 163 television stations in 77 markets, after pending transactions. Sinclair's television group reaches approximately 38.7% of US television households and includes FOX, ABC, MyTV, CW, CBS, NBC, Univision and Azteca affiliates

#wset #wsettv #wsetabcnews13 #localnews #news #halifaxcounty #murdertrial #russelllayne #emmalayne