Virginia Shooting Leaves Officers Dead; Suspect Remains At Large

Admin

3 min read

Post on Feb 23, 2025

4.1

Share

Virginia Deputies Fatally Shot; Hunt for Suspect Continues

UPDATE: The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Austin Lee Edwards, was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Southern California following a high-speed pursuit and standoff with law enforcement. The investigation into the motive continues.

Newport News, Virginia – November 23, 2022 – Two Virginia deputies were tragically killed in the line of duty Tuesday night in a shooting that has sent shockwaves through the community and sparked a massive manhunt. The suspect, initially identified only as a 38-year-old male, has been confirmed as Austin Lee Edwards, a California resident. He remains at large at the time of this initial report, but a subsequent update confirms his death. The incident has highlighted the inherent dangers faced by law enforcement officers daily.

The shooting occurred around 6:30 p.m. in the rural area of rural Chesapeake, Virginia, close to the border of the City of Chesapeake. The responding deputies, identified as Sheriff's Deputy, Sgt. Michelle Lee Anna Sewell and Deputy Tyler Lee, arrived at the scene, responding to what authorities have described as a "domestic situation." While the exact nature of the initial call remains under investigation, the response escalated rapidly into a deadly confrontation. Both deputies were fatally wounded during the encounter and died at the scene. Their deaths are mourned by law enforcement and the community alike.

The Sheriff's office immediately issued a public safety alert, urging residents in the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. A massive manhunt involving local, state, and federal agencies was launched, employing a wide range of resources, including K-9 units, aerial support, and specialized tactical teams.

The suspect, Austin Lee Edwards, managed to flee the scene following the shooting. The investigation revealed a complex series of events preceding the shooting. Edwards, who was allegedly involved in a relationship with a 15-year-old girl living in the area, had driven across the country to visit her. Law enforcement sources indicated that the call which resulted in the deputies’ deaths involved a report of a domestic disturbance at her family home. This seemingly points to a possible connection between the relationship and the shooting, though the precise motive remains unclear.

Following a high-speed pursuit in California, Edwards was cornered, leading to a standoff with authorities. The standoff concluded with Edwards taking his own life. The precise details of this final confrontation are still under investigation and likely will be the subject of intense scrutiny in the upcoming days and weeks.

The tragic loss of two dedicated deputies has deeply impacted the Sheriff’s Office and the entire community. Flags are flying at half-staff, and memorials are being planned to honor their service and sacrifice. Grief counseling is being offered to deputies and their families as they grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event.

The investigation is ongoing. Law enforcement agencies are working diligently to gather all available evidence, including forensic analysis of the crime scene, witness interviews, and a detailed examination of Edwards' background and activities leading up to the shootings. The full extent of the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the suspect’s motivation are still emerging.

The community is rallying together, offering support to the victims' families and law enforcement. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face each day and the importance of supporting their work. The investigation will continue to unravel the full story behind this tragedy, offering answers to the community and providing justice for the fallen deputies.