Three days after a popular Newport News dentist, Dr. William "Bill" Trolenberg, was shot to death outside his office, police arrested a man in the killing.
The evidence was there, but there was a crucial question: Why? Trolenberg had his wallet and cash with him even though he had no connection.
The family of Trolenberg wanted to understand the motive so prosecutors agreed in April to reduce the charge to second degree murder.
During his sentencing hearing on Friday, he explained that he killed Trolenberg because he asked for money. A Newport News Circuit Court judge sentenced a man to 40 years in prison at the end of a six hour hearing.
The woman he was with for more than a year had been lied to by him. He said he was working at Newport News.
Even though he didn't have money for the trip, he promised to help pay for it.
Anderson's Showplace is a large Jefferson Avenue store that sells everything from flowers to home décor.
He decided he would ask for a loan from a stranger. He walked down Jefferson Avenue and found Trolenberg's business on the corner.
He didn't know about the practice until he walked by.
Trolenberg came out of the side office and asked if he needed assistance. He had never seen Dr. Trolenberg before. He seemed to be a nice person.
In the rain, he waited for Trolenberg to leave. When Trolenberg backed out of his car, he was knocked on his window.
He invited me to sit in his car to escape the rain.
He told Trolenberg that he was a military veteran and that he was down on his luck. He asked if he could borrow a lot of money.
Trolenberg said that he didn't have that kind of money. Trolenberg put a hand on the man's thigh.
He said that he pulled out a gun and pointed it at the dashboard because he didn't like being touched. He carried a gun for safety when he went to Newport News.
The dentist got upset. He asked if he was going to be shot. Shoot me if you want.
He didn't know why he shot Trolenberg in the head. The dentist fell to the ground after opening the driver's side door.
Trolenberg put his hands in the air. He said he took that as a threat and shot it in the head.
A neighbor tried to help the dentist in the video footage.
He lied to his girlfriend about being robbed of his wallet, passport and other items. He took family members to the airport.
After 20 years in the military, Trolenberg retired as chief of general dentistry at Langley Air Force Base and opened Deer Park Dental.
At the sentencing hearing, eight of Trolenberg's family members and friends shared fond memories and at least 100 photos. He loved spending time on the water.
Natalie Trolenberg said that her father was her best friend and her cheerleader. She said that her son would never know his granddad and that they would have had a special relationship.
Kyla Dana talked about taking a trip with Trolenberg to Rome. Trolenberg talked to the owner of a restaurant that was still open and invited them to stay and eat there. She said that he loved people.
Joan Trolenberg said she misses the banter with her son. She said that he died at the hands of a cruel murderer. A very important part of our family is missing.
A 40-year sentence was requested by the Commonwealth's Attorney. He was executed for a simple act of kindness.
The prosecutor called him a pathological liar when he brought up his past marriages. Even though he said he loved his kids, Vance hadn't talked to them in more than a decade.
Records show that he was kicked out of service on a submarine for not having the moral courage to make the right decisions.
Andrew Gordon asked that his client be sentenced within the guidelines that had a midpoint of 17 years to serve, and that he be given credit for his military service.
He apologized to the Trolenberg family and said that he would like to go out and have a beer with them.
He apologized to the Trolenberg family and his friends. They were destroyed by me. On a daily basis, I think about my actions.
The family was relieved and pleased after the sentencing. The 40-year term can help the family heal even though they don't believe everything.
Peter Dujardin is the director of communications for the Daily Press.
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