HONAKER, Va. (WJHL) — Virginia State Police (VSP) have launched an investigation following an alleged murder-suicide incident that unfolded in Russell County on the evening of July 9.
Responding to reports of a shooting, Russell County deputies arrived in the Honaker area at approximately 8:43 p.m. that night, according to the VSP.
State police detailed that a female victim was reportedly shot. As Russell County deputies found her, two VSP troopers were on the scene where they encountered the male suspect who allegedly turned the gun on himself, leading to his own death, according to authorities.
Both the suspect and the victim were deceased by the time officers arrived, the VSP confirmed.
Russell County Sheriff Bill Watson told News Channel 11 that he requested the VSP’s help, as his deputies witnessed the suicide and “had a standoff” with the suspect. Sheriff Watson identified the victim as the suspect’s girlfriend, but exact identities have not been released.