A man that beat a woman to death at a hotel in Danville is now facing first degree murder charges. 49-year-old Avery Demetrie Kirby beat and killed 61-year-old Dale Jones at the Astoria Hotel in Danville in February. 

Kirby and Jones had a history together. He said to  police that he knew Jones was dead and still left the scene. Kirby was placed at the scene by surveillance video and left the scene in a black SUV before he was found at his residence later.

Kirby was initially charged with second degree murder, but according to WSET, Kirby has now been indicted by a grand jury on a first degree murder charge. The Commonwealth Attorney’s Office said they are hoping for a trial date this fall.