VIRIGINIA BEACH, Va. — Three people have died after a shooting which police say appears to be a “tragic domestic situation.”
Virginia Beach police say one woman and two men died, and they now say the male suspect is the one who shot his sister and her significant other before turning the gun on himself.
The three individuals have been identified as 42-year-old Rebecca Ericson, 38-year-old Jon Lafave and 39-year-old Stephen Ericson.
The incident happened early Sunday morning, September 10, shortly after midnight.
Virginia Beach Police were called to the 3700 block of Gateway Place, a residential street not far from I-264 and S. Plaza Trail.
According to police, two men and one woman suffered gunshot wounds. Police say the woman and one man died at the scene and the other man was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators believe that the male (the brother) who was transported to the hospital was responsible for the shooting of the other two victims and himself.
So far, police have shared information on a potential motive.
On Monday morning, cleaning crews dressed in protective equipment were taking items from the home.
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Hampton Roads 2023 Homicide Tracker
While VBPD is not seeking a suspect at this time, they are still investigating.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the VBPD Homicide Unit at 757-385-4101 or notify Crime Solvers anonymously at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP/ P3tips.com.
The executive director for Samaritan House told News 3 it saddens her to hear of this. Her organization works to help those struggling with domestic violence.
"We have seen more homicides/suicides, said Robin Gauthier. "That’s become more and more common, and I just always have concerns when people have access to weapons. The more access to weapons people have, I know the more domestic violence homicides we’re going to see."
Samaritan House has a 24-hour hotline for anyone looking for assistance or advice on dealing with domestic situations. They say callers can remain anonymous. The hotline is: 757-430-2120.
