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Eight killed in Virginia shootings, suspect arrested
by Arushi Chaudhary - January 20, 2010 - comments
Christopher Speight, who is being perceived by the state police as the man behind the shootings.
Appomattox, VA, January 20 -- In a gory incident that took place in a thickly wooded area of south-central Virginia Tuesday, a gunman opened fire killing eight people before shooting at police officers and a helicopter.
Robert F Mc Donnell, a spokesman of the Governor, called the killing of eight people by a lone person “a horrific tragedy.”
The killings
Police officials said seven bodies were recovered from a house, while the eighth victim, who died while being taken to the hospital, was found by the roadside. All the victims are said to be adults.
An official from the state police, who insisted on anonymity, said that two of the victims could be the son and wife of the gunman.
On Tuesday night, an Appomattox County official said that the information collected so far indicated that a domestic dispute could have been the reason behind the shootings.
This is being perceived as the most shocking incident in the U.S. after the shoot out of 2007 that left 33 killed at Virginia Tech.
A statement issued by Gov. Robert F. McDonnell’s office said, "The governor's thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families. He is closely monitoring the situation."
Gunman arrested
State police officers said they had a “possible suspect.” On late Tuesday night, the gunman, who has been identified as 39-year-old Christopher Speight, was surrounded in the woods near the spot where the shootings took place.
Gov. Robert F. McDonnell said Marla Decker, his secretary of public safety, was sent to the scene of the shootout. Deputy secretary, John Buckovich, and superintendent of the state police, Col. Steven Flaherty, were also present at the spot.
Police officials rushed to the spot after being told about a man lying on the road in need of urgent medical attention. When the police arrived, a man hiding in the woods opened fire at the policemen and a police helicopter hovering overhead. None of the officers were hurt; however, four shots fired around the fuel tank of the helicopter forced it to make an emergency landing.
Bethel Hawkins, who lives near the site of shooting, said, “We’re just being cautious, keeping our doors locked, not going outside. We’re not going out in the dark not knowing what’s out there. But we trust in the Lord to take care of us.”