Virginia mass shooting kills 3 people and wounds 3 others; suspects in custody

All suspects were in custody early Wednesday after a shooting that killed three people and wounded three others in Virginia, authorities said.

On Tuesday evening, 911 calls came in about a shooting at a town house complex in Spotsylvania County, just outside Fredericksburg and about 65 miles southwest of Washington, said Maj. Elizabeth Scott, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

Officials had urged people to avoid the area and those near the scene to stay indoors while authorities investigated, she said. At the time, authorities warned that at least one shooter was on the loose. Area schools delayed openings by two hours Wednesday morning.

“In connection with the Olde Greenwich incident, all suspects are in custody and there is no threat to public safety,” said Spotsylvania Sheriff Roger Harris in a social media post Wednesday morning. Harris said more information would be released later  

The shooting may have been committed by more than one person, according to Scott. There was publicly released information about a possible motive.

All of the victims were found outside, Scott said. Three people were pronounced dead at the scene and another three were taken to hospitals with gunshot wounds.  Their conditions and other information about them was not immediately available.

Authorities also asked for any witnesses to send any video that could help the investigation.

Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced on its website that schools would start two hours late Wednesday “in light of the profound impact this incident has had on members of our school community.”

“This delay will allow us the necessary time to prepare our buildings and staff to welcome students with the care and support they may need during this difficult time,” the statement said.

Spotsylvania County Public Schools also announced a two-hour delay Wednesday, saying it would allow staff to have support in place to help students and staff who may have been impacted. The support included additional deputies and presence from the sheriff’s office at each of the high schools, the school system said on its website.