Two officers shot by suspect in apparent murder-suicide case

A bizarre event in Southside unfolded on Friday that left two police officers with gunshot wounds and officials investigating an apparent murder-suicide.

April 22, 2013; 10:23 AM • by Nathan Cushing

Richmond Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in the wake of Friday’s exchange of gunfire between a Southside resident and police that resulted in two officers sustaining gunshot wounds.

At the request of family members, officers were called to the 3900 block of Rusk Avenue shortly after 1:30 PM to check on the welfare of a couple.

“After it was determined that a woman inside might be in danger or in need of medical attention, a group of officers entered the residence,” said a Police spokesperson in a written statement. “They were fired upon by a man. Officers returned fire before exiting the residence.”

Two unnamed officers were shot and transported to VCU Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries. They were treated and later released.

According to Police, the department’s SWAT team was then called to the residence, but were unable to make contact with anyone inside. Around 7:00 PM, SWAT members entered the residence and discovered the bodies of its occupants: Clarence Friend Tyalor II, 38 and Christine Mae Squire, 33.

“Detectives are treating the case as a probable murder-suicide,” said a Police spokesman. “Although it is early in their investigation, the evidence indicates Taylor shot Squire, then, after exchanging gunfire with officers who entered the residence to check on her welfare, turned the gun on himself.”

Separate investigations into the murder-suicide and the use of force by officers are ongoing.