Three people are dead and three more have been injured in a mass shooting that occurred on the evening of April 8, 2025, in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. The incident took place in the Olde Greenwich Circle area, just outside Fredericksburg, and has left the community in shock.
The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office received reports of gunfire around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, deputies found multiple individuals suffering from gunshot wounds. Tragically, three victims were confirmed dead at the scene, while three others were transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Major Elizabeth Scott of the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office held a press conference later that evening, where she confirmed the grim details of the shooting. "This is probably as bad as it could get," she stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation and the ongoing search for suspects.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. One resident reported hearing the gunshots, which she likened to the sound of a “machine gun.” She recalled seeing young men in the area with firearms, prompting her to immediately seek safety for herself and her child.
As the investigation unfolded, officials indicated that there may be multiple suspects involved in the shooting, though no descriptions were available as of late Tuesday night. The sheriff’s office has urged anyone with information to come forward, providing contact numbers for tips.
In response to the shooting, both Lafayette Elementary and Walker-Grant Middle School, located less than a mile from the incident, were placed on lockdown around 6 p.m. The lockdown was lifted after authorities determined that the situation was under control, but the schools remained cautious, canceling all outdoor activities and parent-teacher conferences for the evening.
Scott noted that the investigation is still active and fluid, with police utilizing drones to search the wooded areas surrounding the cul-de-sac where the shooting occurred. She also mentioned that the sheriff’s office is seeking any video footage from residents that could aid in their investigation.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, the sheriff’s office is working closely with the Fredericksburg Police Department and Virginia State Police to ensure the safety of residents and to apprehend those responsible for the shooting. Scott remarked, "It is a tight-knit community. When something like this happens, the whole community comes together, and we couldn’t ask for anything more."
Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office is in the process of notifying the next of kin of the deceased victims. However, as of now, no information regarding the identities or ages of the victims has been released.
In a chilling reminder of recent violence in the area, Scott also addressed a separate incident that occurred just a day prior, where a third-grade student accidentally discharged a handgun at a local school. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in that incident, but it has heightened concerns about safety and gun violence in the community.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to maintain public safety, with a strong police presence expected in the area for the foreseeable future. As the investigation progresses, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office is committed to providing updates to the public.
Anyone with information related to the shooting is encouraged to contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office at 800-928-5822 or 540-582-5822. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the investigation continues.
This developing story highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence in America and the impact it has on communities. As authorities work to uncover the details surrounding this tragic event, the residents of Spotsylvania County are left to cope with the aftermath and seek answers.
