RPD investigating an apparent murder/suicide on Rusk Avenue

Police are investigating an apparent murder/suicide. Two officers were shot during the incident, both are expected to make full recoveries.

April 20, 2013; 10:36 PM • by RVANews staff

The Richmond Police Department is investigating an apparent murder/suicide that has occurred on Rusk Avenue.

Shortly after 1:30 p.m. today, at the request of family members, officers attempted to check on the welfare of a couple in a residence in the 39-hundred block of Rusk Avenue. The officers were unsuccessful in making contact with anyone inside. 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. They were fired upon by a man. Officers returned fire before exiting the residence.

Two Richmond Police officers were shot during the exchange of gunfire. They were transported to VCU Medical Center with non life-threatening gunshot wounds. One officer was treated and released. The second officer has been admitted for treatment. Both are expected to make full recoveries.

The Department’s SWAT team was then called out. After SWAT negotiators were unable to make contact with anyone inside the residence, SWAT team members entered the residence about 7 p.m. where they discovered the bodies of two adults, a man and a woman, dead of apparent gunshot wounds.

The names of the man and the woman will be released once they have been positively identified and their next of kin have been notified.

Separate investigations, one into the apparent murder/suicide, and one into the use of force by the officers, will be conducted by the Department.

They Department would like to thank the general public for their outpouring of concern and support for the wounded officers and the many members of the law enforcement community for their offers of assistance during the incident.