A married couple in Centreville, Virginia, was found dead in an apparent murder-suicide, which police said took place while their three children were home.
Detectives believe that Brandon Brown shot his wife, Lavinia Brown, before he killed himself on Wednesday, September 9, according to Fox 5. Bullet casings and a firearm were found at the scene.
Officers responded to the couple’s home at 5:30 p.m. after they received a report about a shooting. They found Brandon, 31, and Lavinia, 31, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds to their upper bodies. Soon after, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel pronounced both of them dead at the scene.
Police said that three children who live at the residence were home at the time of the shooting. However, none of the children were physically injured. The ages of the children have not been publicly revealed as of time of publication.
Investigators said the authorities learned about the incident when the children contacted a family member who lives nearby. That family member then called 911 to report that there had been a shooting.
The children are now staying with extended family, according to police.
“This is something devastating that has occurred in this neighborhood,” PFC Ingrid Palencia of the Fairfax County Police Department’s Public Affairs Bureau told reporters on Wednesday, per the outlet.
Palencia added that victim services advocates were working with the family to provide assistance following the tragedy.
Police said autopsies are set to be conducted by a medical examiner that will confirm both the cause and manner of deaths for Brandon and Lavinia.
The family has been assigned victim specialists with the Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division in order to make sure they receive resources and assistance, according to police.
A motive or any information regarding what may have happened leading up to the murder-suicide has not yet been revealed. It’s also not known if the couple had a history of domestic violence issues.
Authorities have asked that anyone with information regarding the incident contact the Fairfax County Police Department’s Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Meanwhile, those who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips to Crime Solvers of Fairfax County at 866-411-TIPS (8477) or through the P3 Tips app.
An investigation remains ongoing into the killings.
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