WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Police are investigating after two people were killed in a shooting in Woodbridge Friday, now identified as 20-year-old Joseph Harden and 20-year-old Zhabriell Perkins, both of Woodbridge.
According to a press release from Prince William Police, the shooting happened after two men forced their way into a home in the 14100 block of Renegade Court just before 11:30 a.m.
When officers arrived they found two men suffering from gunshot wounds inside the home. First responders tried to help the men but both died.
Investigators believe two men forced their way into the home and exchanged gunfire with a man who lived inside the house.
Harden was identified as the male resident of the home. The police investigation revealed he was inside the home along with the homeowner, identified as a 59-year-old woman, and two contractors when the two suspects forcibly entered the residence, police said via press release. One of the contractors working at the home, identified as a 21-year-old man, was also shot in the lower body, however, the injury was determined non-life-threatening and he was transported to a nearby hospital. Neither the woman nor the other contractor was injured.
The second suspect in the incident in addition to Perkins got away from the scene by running to a vehicle described by police as a black 2014 Jeep Cherokee, with a silver trim package and Virginia temporary license plates: 98254K. Police are still searching for this suspect, who has not yet been identified. He is described by police as a Black male, approximately 6’3” with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black jacket with a stripe on the sleeve and black pants.
Harden was believed to have been a victim of a home invasion. Police said he is believed to have fired back at the men breaking in. However, police also confirmed that the incident is not believed by investigators to have been random and Harden was an established target.
Police Chief Peter Newsham confirmed the 59-year-old homeowner was the mother of the home invasion victim, who was killed.
"As far as she is concerned, there was a home invasion and as a result, she lost a family member," Newsham said.
Neighbors described the victim to be in his early 20s, and a man who was always helping his family.
"He grew up around and played sports with my son, and I've seen him grow up since he was eight years old," a neighbor who only wanted to be identified as Coach Frank told WUSA9. "He took care of his family, was responsible, worked and graduated high school. He was a real good kid and he was on the right path."
One of the workers was injured in the shooting and is expected to be okay. No other injuries were reported.
Investigators believe the shooting was isolated to the home and not random.
No motive or suspect information has been released at this time.