Crime
3 dead, 3 wounded in Spotsylvania County mass shooting
Suspects Seen Fleeing Scene, One Possibly Wounded
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — Authorities have confirmed that three individuals are dead and three others were hospitalized following a violent shooting incident Tuesday evening in the Olde Greenwich neighborhood, just outside Fredericksburg.
A video circulating online appears to show multiple suspects fleeing the scene, with one individual visibly injured, bleeding from the hand—suggesting he may have sustained a gunshot wound.
At approximately 6:00 p.m. on April 8, a 911 call reporting an active shooter was received from the 400 block of Olde Greenwich Drive, off Lafayette Boulevard.
Emergency radio traffic revealed early reports of multiple gunshot victims, including at least two minors, and noted that the scene had not yet been cleared by law enforcement at the time of arrival.
Upon arrival, Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Deputies, Fredericksburg Police officers, and emergency medical personnel encountered a chaotic and traumatic scene.
First responders rendered aid to at least one victim, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.
Two additional victims—one found inside a vehicle—were also confirmed deceased.
All three fatalities remain unidentified at this time, and their ages have not been officially released.
Video evidence shared with authorities reportedly shows several individuals fleeing the area on foot, with one suspect appearing to clutch a blood-covered hand, possibly indicating a gunshot wound.
Law enforcement has not yet confirmed if this person has been identified or apprehended.
Initial witness reports suggest that gunfire erupted between two groups of individuals.
At some point during the altercation, a local resident emerged from their home and became involved in the exchange, though the nature of their involvement remains under investigation.
As of 7:26 p.m., the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office released an official update through Major Liz Scott, confirming the three fatalities and the hospitalization of three other individuals with unspecified injuries.
Scott described the case as a “fluid and ongoing investigation” and noted that no suspects had yet been apprehended.
A large-scale police presence remains in the area, including personnel from multiple agencies.
Officers continued to search neighborhoods surrounding Lafayette Boulevard and the nearby Sheetz gas station for additional suspects or evidence.
Residents have been advised to shelter in place and remain indoors while investigators secure the area.
Authorities said a public alert will be issued once it is deemed safe to lift the order.
Anyone with information, surveillance footage, or cell phone video from the vicinity of Olde Greenwich Drive during the time of the incident is urged to contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
Further updates will be released as the investigation progresses.
STATE COLLEGE, PA — A 20-year-old Pennsylvania man remains in custody after being accused of plotting a mass shooting at State College High School, scheduled to coincide with the anniversary of the 1999 Columbine High School massacre.
According to a criminal complaint filed by State College Police, Braeden Phillips allegedly planned to carry out the attack on April 21 — one day after the 26th anniversary of the Columbine shooting, in which two students killed 13 people and wounded more than 20 others before taking their own lives.
Phillips is charged with conspiracy to commit murder and unlawful possession of a firearm. He is being held without bond at the Centre County Correctional Facility, where court documents state he is considered an “extreme danger to the community.”
No attorney was listed in court records to represent him at this time.
Authorities allege that Phillips had created a detailed plan for the attack, which was to begin at approximately 8:40 a.m., a time when school hallways are heavily trafficked by students and staff.
The complaint states that Phillips intended to carry out the shooting near the school’s main staircase and had also planned to place explosives in school bathrooms.
Police say Phillips compiled a “hit list” and discussed the plot with several individuals. One juvenile acquaintance allegedly told investigators he had been recruited to participate in the attack.
The investigation was initiated after staff at a Centre County youth center reported disturbing information shared by another resident.
Police then conducted interviews with Phillips’ friends and acquaintances, several of whom stated he had described the planned shooting in detail and had shown them a firearm.
When questioned about Phillips’ motives, one friend reportedly told officers that Phillips expressed resentment toward the school, saying it had “failed him” and “did not serve his educational needs.”
Phillips allegedly selected April 21 for the attack because April 20 — the actual date of the Columbine massacre — falls on a Sunday this year, when school would not be in session.
State College Police commended the actions of the youth center staff and emphasized the importance of community vigilance.
“This investigation underscores the critical role that the public plays in helping law enforcement prevent violence,” the department said in a statement. “We are grateful for the citizen who spoke up. This is a powerful reminder that if you see something, say something.”
Phillips is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Wednesday. Authorities continue to investigate whether any other individuals were involved in the alleged plot.