Crime
Mass shooting in downtown Suffolk left two people dead and three others injured
Suffolk, VA – A tragic shooting incident occurred on East Washington Street in Suffolk on Thursday night, resulting in two fatalities and injuries to three others.
Suffolk Police announced that they would be holding a press conference at 2 PM on Friday to provide updates on the ongoing investigation.
Officers were dispatched to the 800 block of East Washington Street at 11:25 PM following reports of a shooting.
Upon arrival, they discovered multiple individuals had been shot. Suffolk Fire & Rescue responded to the scene and provided emergency medical care.
One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while another was transported to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
William Goodman Jr., age 37, was pronounced dead at the scene. Demonte Tillery, age 30, was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Three additional victims were taken to the hospital for treatment, and their current condition remains unknown.
Local residents, who declined to be identified, described the gunfire as sounding like a “warzone.” While an exact count of gunshots is difficult to determine, estimates suggest several dozen rounds were fired.
As of now, there is no information available regarding a suspect in the Suffolk shooting. The condition of the three hospitalized victims will continue to be monitored.
On the evening of January 17, 2025, Iron County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call reporting gunfire targeting a vehicle.
Upon arrival at the intersection of Midvalley Road and 4300 West, law enforcement and Gold Cross Ambulance found a 17-year-old female driver critically injured inside her vehicle.
Deputies began life-saving efforts immediately while paramedics prepared for her transport to Cedar City Hospital.
Despite their combined efforts, the young victim tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Crime scene experts and investigators from the Iron County Sheriff’s Office quickly arrived to process the scene.
Early findings suggest the victim’s vehicle was being pursued by an unknown vehicle for several miles before the incident.
The suspect pulled alongside the victim’s car and fired multiple gunshots, striking the driver. This caused the victim to lose control of her vehicle, which left the roadway, crashing through a vinyl fence before coming to rest approximately 100 feet northwest of the intersection.
The Sheriff’s Office is actively seeking information from the public to aid in the investigation.
Between 10:15 PM and 11:00 PM, investigators believe a small red pickup truck was being followed closely by a dark-colored truck or SUV on Lund Highway near 1600 North and Midvalley Road or heading west on Midvalley Road toward the Three Peaks Campground area.
Witness accounts or surveillance footage of this activity could provide critical leads.
Additionally, residents or business owners along Lund Highway or Midvalley Road with surveillance camera footage from that time frame are encouraged to contact authorities.
If you have any information regarding this incident or footage, please contact the following numbers:
- Iron County Sheriff’s Office: 435-867-7500
- Cedar Dispatch (Non-Emergency): 435-586-9445
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim during this difficult time. We also express our sincere gratitude to the Cedar City Police Department, Enoch City Police, the Department of Public Safety, Cedar City Fire Department, and the dedicated personnel of Gold Cross Ambulance for their quick response and assistance.
The Iron County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to ensuring public safety and pursuing justice for the victim. We ask for the community’s assistance in bringing the perpetrator to justice.