Two teens are dead and another severely injured after a shooting in the Landmark section of Alexandria, Va.
A 17-year-old Alexandria girl was shot and killed in an apparent murder suicide, which also wounded her 15-year-old brother.
Alexandria police say the suspect, Yerson Nunez Lopez, 19, a resident of Maryland, was found deceased at the scene from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The tragedy unfolded in Alexandria's All Veterans Park near the intersection of Duke and Pickett streets around 8:45 p.m. Sunday night.
Murder-suicide left 17-year-old Alexandria girl dead, 25 yo brother injured, impacted TC Williams HS. Shooter: 19 yo Md man shot self @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/0T1Eg5BmJf
— Peggy Fox (@PeggyTV) October 23, 2017
"It's just awful. It's heartbreaking. I'm just so surprised and shocked," said Nyree Martinez, who lives nearby and walks her dog in the park regularly.
"I am flabbergasted. I can't believe that something so terrible could happen nearby in this peaceful area. But I guess it could happen anywhere. It's just scary," said Romy Pickron who works nearby and was eating her lunch in the park when she heard about the shooting.
"Why would they do it? And nobody noticed they had problems," said Caspar Omeh, a frequent visitor to the park.
The shooting happened at a picnic table near the creek Holmes Run. A table Omeh often uses. Hearing what happened to the young people brought tears to his eyes.
"Whatever problems you have can be taken care of. All you need to do is talk to somebody. You don't want to talk to somebody, talk to God," said Omeh.
All Veterans Park attracts runners, dog walkers, families with children...many people, including those just looking for a peaceful spot. A spot now marked with sadness.
The 17-year-old girl is Alexandria's sixth murder victim this year.
Her brother is expected to recover as his injuries are non-life-threatening.
Alexandria police say there is no evidence the shootings have any connection to gang activity.
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) October 23, 2017
All Veterans Park is located in the 4700 block of Duke St. Alexandria police closed Duke St. by the park, up to N. Pickett St. Fairfax County Police provided chopper assistance.
UPDATE: Shooting investigation has developed new info-incident is contained to All Veterans Park & there is no threat to the community.
— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) October 23, 2017
Neighbors said shootings are not common in that area. None of the people we spoke to had heard the gunshots but came outside over growing concerns of growing police sirens.
Police are still investigating the shooting.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Bikeramijt Gill at 703.746.6751.
