Spotsylvania County, Virginia – Four teenagers have been apprehended following a tragic incident on Tuesday evening where a shooting during what authorities described as an illegal firearms transaction left three young individuals dead and another three injured. The event took place near a townhouse complex in the close-knit community of Olde Greenwich Circle.
Authorities responded to emergency calls around 5:30 p.m. Deputies arrived at the scene to discover victims in the aftermath of the shooting which, according to preliminary investigations, stemmed from a robbery linked to the unlawful sale of guns. The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Roger Harris, moved quickly to secure the area and ensure there were no further threats to public safety.
The victims were all young men, including two 18-year-olds, Chase Feaster and Alonzo Goffney, both of whom were residents of Spotsylvania County. A third deceased, a 20-year-old man, has not been publicly named pending confirmation of identity by the medical examiner’s office.
Among those arrested, two suspects are 16 years old and another is 17, with 18-year-old Jeremiah Upson also in custody. One of the 16-year-old suspects is currently receiving treatment for a gunshot wound at a local hospital. The suspects, all of whom reside in the nearby Fredericksburg area, face severe charges including malicious wounding and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.
Following the violence, the local community has been deeply affected. In response, Fredericksburg City Public Schools and Spotsylvania County Public Schools both delayed classes by two hours Wednesday to prepare appropriate support systems for students and staff affected by the tragedy. This support includes an increased deputy presence at high schools to ensure campus safety and provide reassurance to students and faculty.
Major Elizabeth Scott, a spokesperson for the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, underscored the severity of the incident, reflecting on the horror of the scenario law enforcement were faced with as they worked to secure the scene and apprehend those responsible.
In the wake of this harrowing event, witnesses recounted the sheer terror of the situation with one bystander likening the sound of gunfire to “like a machine gun”, illustrating the chaotic nature of the scene as individuals reportedly fled with weapons in hand.
This violence has not only sparked a formidable law enforcement response but has also left the community reeling, trying to find ways to support one another and prevent future tragedies. Local authorities have pledged to remain vigilant and proactive in tackling illegal activities, especially those involving firearms, to avert similar events.
In light of the profound community impact, additional support measures and increased security protocols remain ongoing as the county grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event. The community, bound by shock and sadness, stands together in the face of this violence, seeking paths toward healing and stronger community resilience.