general | April 11, 2026

Avriel Hooks Missing Lynchburg, Va: Husband Arrested for Murder

The community of Lynchburg, Virginia was plunged into shock and disbelief following the Avriel Hooks Missing Lynchburg Va case which took place on August 22, 2021. 

Around 8 pm, the young mother was last spotted at her residence in the northwest corner of the city.

Following this, a widespread search endeavour was launched over the subsequent days, uniting her family, friends, and local authorities in the effort.

Regrettably, their most dreaded apprehensions were validated upon the discovery of Hooks’ deceased body. 

The revelation occurred on August 31, precisely one week after her initial disappearance, in a wooded region near US 60 Lexington Turnpike in Amherst, Virginia.

The discovery of the remains of Avriel Hooks has left many unanswered questions, and the Lynchburg Police Department has moved swiftly to investigate this ‘suspicious’ death. 

As the investigation beguns, evidence led to the arrest of Hooks’ husband, 21-year-old Michael L. Perry III. 

He is now facing charges of second-degree murder and unlawful disposal of a dead body, according to police reports.

Avriel Hooks (20) has been missing for almost a week from Lynchburg, Virginia. Family knows that she would not leave her 5mo baby. Her partner, Michael Perry, was out on bond for violating a protective order at the time. She tried to get help and she was turned away. 🥺

— Rose (@901Lulu) August 28, 2023

Strange text raises alarm

The tight-knit community is reeling from Hooks’ tragic death, as friends and family grapple with the loss of a young mother whose future was brimming with potential.

The circumstances shrouding her disappearance and demise have generated uncertainty, and the motive behind the murder remains enigmatic.

Significantly, fresh information has emerged concerning a text message that stirred concern for Avriel’s mother, Ashley Pittman.

PiAft received a text message that didn’t sound like her daughter’s voice. , Pittman went to check on her daughter

The text allegedly said Hooks needed some “me time” and was staying at a friend’s house. However, the text message was not typical of Hooks’ use of writing or speech. 

In addition, as a devoted mother to her five-month-old son, Hooks would never willingly abandon her child. 

At this point, the Lynchburg authorities launched an extensive search effort to locate the missing woman.

Discovery of remains

Regrettably, the determined search for Avriel Hooks yielded no results until her body was eventually found in a wooded area of Amherst County. 

The news of her discovery hit her family and the Lynchburg community hard, leaving them heartbroken and in mourning.

In response, law enforcement swiftly launched an investigation into her death. The evidence they gathered pointed them towards Avriel Hooks’ spouse, Michael L. Perry III. 

Investigation continues in Avriel Hooks’ missing Lynchburg Va Case

The ongoing inquiry into Avriel Hooks’ tragic death is prompting law enforcement authorities to appeal for anyone possessing information to step forward.

The collaborative investigation involves both the Lynchburg Police Department and the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office, working in tandem.

This combined effort extends to the involvement of the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Amid the arrest of Hooks’ husband, Michael L. Perry III, in connection with her tragic demise, investigators are pressing forward in their pursuit of understanding.

A plea has been extended to the public, urging them to contribute any pertinent information that could aid in shedding light on the case.

The discovery of Hooks has accentuated the complexity of the investigation’ remains within a wooded terrain, situated away from a primary roadway.

However, law enforcement officials have been working tirelessly to piece together the events leading up to her death.

Despite the challenges, investigators remain committed to seeking justice for Hooks and her loved ones. 

They are urging anyone with information to contact the Lynchburg Police Department or the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office.

Community In mourning

The sudden passing of Avriel Hooks has deeply shaken the Lynchburg community. 

Avriel, a compassionate mother and cherished community member, tragically passed away under unsettling circumstances, sending shockwaves through everyone.

Her reputation for compassion and unwavering commitment to aiding others was well-known.

In the wake of her loss, a blend of sorrow and disbelief has enveloped her friends, family, and the entire community, all grappling to navigate through this difficult time.

Avriel’s warm smile and support meant a lot to everyone around her. People are holding candlelight vigils and gatherings to remember her. 

As the investigation continues, the community hopes for answers and justice. 

A closer look at Avriel Hooks missing Lynchburg Va case 

The death of Avriel Hooks has sent shockwaves through the community of Lynchburg, Virginia. 

The disappearance of the young mother and the subsequent uncovering of her remains in a wooded region near US 60 Lexington Turnpike have generated a multitude of inquiries.

Currently, the investigation continues its active course, while her husband, Michael L. Perry III, is under custody.

Confronting allegations connected to second-degree murder and the improper handling of a deceased body.

Shock and disbelief ripple through those who held her dear.