Tragedy in Spotsylvania County: 3 Dead, 3 Injured in Mass Shooting at Townhouse Complex
SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — April 8, 2025 — A quiet Tuesday evening erupted in gunfire and chaos as a mass shooting in a Spotsylvania County townhouse complex left three people dead and three others wounded. The shocking incident, which occurred in the Olde Greenwich Drive area just outside Fredericksburg, has shaken the local community and launched an urgent investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
A Harrowing Scene Unfolds
According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, emergency calls began flooding in around 5:30 p.m. reporting the sounds of gunshots in the typically peaceful residential neighborhood. Deputies arrived to find six victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Three were pronounced dead at the scene, while three others were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.
Their identities have not yet been released, pending notification of family members, and the conditions of the wounded remain undisclosed.
Witnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene. One resident recounted seeing young men walking openly down the street with firearms. “It sounded like a machine gun,” said a neighbor, visibly shaken. “People were screaming and running. I never thought something like this would happen here.”
Search for Suspects Ongoing
As of Wednesday morning, no arrests have been made. Authorities confirmed that the suspects remain at large and may still be in the vicinity. Law enforcement officials set up a command post near the scene and have launched a full-scale manhunt. Drone units and tactical teams were deployed overnight in an effort to locate and apprehend those responsible.
Major Elizabeth Scott of the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office called the shooting “one of the worst the area has ever seen,” and pledged that investigators would not rest until the perpetrators are caught. “We are working around the clock. This is as bad as it gets. We will not stop until justice is served.”
Residents in the area have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. A temporary shelter-in-place advisory was issued Tuesday night but has since been lifted.
Impact on the Community
The shooting sent shockwaves through Spotsylvania County, particularly affecting families and students. Fredericksburg City Public Schools announced a two-hour delay for classes on Wednesday, citing the emotional toll the incident may have on students and staff. School counselors and trauma specialists are being made available to provide support to those in need.
“This is a tragic moment for our community,” the district said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those lost and pray for the full recovery of the injured.”
Community members gathered near the scene overnight, many lighting candles and leaving flowers in a spontaneous memorial to those lost.
What We Know So Far
- Location: The shooting occurred in a townhouse complex on Olde Greenwich Drive, just south of Fredericksburg.
- Victims: Three individuals were killed; three others were injured.
- Suspects: Remain at large. No arrests have been made.
- Investigation: The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with support from the Virginia State Police and the FBI.
- Community Response: Vigils are being planned; trauma support resources are being deployed across schools and churches.
Calls for Information and Justice
The Sheriff’s Office has established a tip line and command center near the Sheetz on Lafayette Boulevard for anyone who may have video footage, eyewitness accounts, or other information about the suspects or the events leading up to the shooting. Those with information can call the department at (540) 582-7115 or submit tips anonymously.
As the investigation continues, Spotsylvania County remains united in grief and determination. While answers are still unfolding, one thing is clear: a community forever changed is now calling for justice, healing, and the end of senseless violence.