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.
Crime
Eric Bechtolt Killed After Shooting at Florence Tower in Omaha, Suspect Billy Dorrall Arrested
Omaha, NE – On Sunday evening, Omaha Police Department officers responded to an active shooting at Florence Tower, located at 5100 Florence Blvd, following multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire inside the building.
The first reports were received at 6:05 p.m., with at least three separate callers stating they had heard shots fired on the fifth or sixth floor of the apartment complex.
By 6:14 p.m., a fourth caller reported seeing a male suspect walking on the sixth floor carrying two handguns.
Uniform Patrol officers arrived on scene at 6:11 p.m. and began a floor-by-floor search of the building, starting from the fifth floor.
As officers ascended the south stairwell toward the sixth floor, they heard sounds of a disturbance.
Just as they neared the sixth-floor door, it was abruptly opened by a male suspect — later identified as 50-year-old Billy A. Dorrall.
At that moment, one officer discharged their service weapon, striking Dorrall in the left hip.
In response, Dorrall fired back down the stairwell and then retreated into the sixth-floor hallway.
Once back in the hallway, Dorrall reportedly fired multiple rounds, aiming both up and down the corridor, and threatened several residents at gunpoint.
A coordinated arrest team, equipped with a ballistic shield, moved into position while officers in the stairwell maintained containment. As they prepared to enter the hallway, officers heard additional gunfire.
The arrest team entered the hallway, issued loud verbal commands, and Dorrall surrendered without further incident.
He was immediately provided medical treatment by Omaha Fire Department personnel and transported to Nebraska Medicine, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He has since been released into police custody.
During the investigation, officers recovered surveillance footage from building cameras, which was provided by the Omaha Housing Authority.
The footage shows Dorrall behaving erratically and confronting residents before engaging in a verbal altercation with another tenant, identified as 45-year-old Eric M. Bechtolt.
The video shows Dorrall returning to his apartment, retrieving a firearm, and shooting Bechtolt multiple times in the hallway. Responding officers later found Bechtolt deceased outside the stairwell door.
Dorrall was interviewed by detectives and provided a full confession, admitting to the murder of Bechtolt.
He also expressed an intent to kill additional residents and responding officers had he not been stopped.
Omaha Police Chief Todd Schmaderer issued a statement commending the officers involved:
“I want to commend the officers who responded to this incredibly dangerous situation. Their training, courage, and swift response undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. What unfolded at Florence Tower was tragic, and our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of Mr. Bechtolt. Our officers acted heroically under extreme pressure, and I am proud of their commitment to protecting the residents of Omaha.”
The department has released still images from surveillance footage, showing Dorrall armed with two handguns, along with crime scene photographs of the weapons, ammunition, and spent shell casings recovered from the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing.