Murder Trial in Ragans Death to Begin

By Kim Lenz Monday, June 07, 2010

The murder trial against a Seaford man charged in the beating death of a man he accused of having an affair with his wife is scheduled to begin today at 9 a.m. in York-Poquoson Circuit Court.

Allen Dale Williams faces a first degree murder charge in the November 15, 2009 death of Thomas Ragans, one of the owners of Ragans Western Auto, a popular auto repair store on Route 17 in Grafton. Williams went to Ragans’ Dandy home early on November 15 to confront the man about the affair.

Robyn Ragans, Thomas Ragans’ wife, testified during a hearing in February that Williams and her husband had scuffled in the house as Williams demanded that Thomas Ragans admit to the affair. The argument produced an admission, she said, but instead of leaving Williams pressed for more details.

Eventually, the three moved out of the house and onto the front porch. Somehow the trio tumbled down the flight of 13 steps to the driveway. Robyn Ragans testified that Williams got up and kicked her husband in the face and head, then took off running.

Thomas Ragans was taken to Riverside Regional Medical Center, where several hours later he was pronounced dead.

Williams has been held without bond at the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail since his arrest a few hours after the fight.