Fatal Deputy-Involved Shooting Under Investigation in Botetourt County, Virginia
BOTETOURT, VA — A tragic and intense incident unfolded early Wednesday morning, June 25, 2025, in the typically quiet community of Botetourt County, as authorities responded to a deadly deputy-involved shooting on High Ridge Circle. The sequence of events began with a chilling 911 call and ended with two men dead—one from an alleged homicide and the other shot by deputies during a confrontation.
Disturbing 911 Call Leads to Urgent Response
At approximately 7:00 a.m., Botetourt County deputies were dispatched to a residence on High Ridge Circle after receiving a 911 call from a male who claimed to have just killed his father. The disturbing nature of the call prompted an immediate and coordinated response from local law enforcement, including deputies and a trained crisis negotiator.
Armed Confrontation with Deputies
Upon arriving at the scene, deputies encountered a male subject—reportedly the same individual who made the 911 call—armed and standing outside the residence. Law enforcement immediately began to engage the suspect, deploying de-escalation tactics and attempting to resolve the situation without further violence. According to officials, the trained crisis negotiator on scene actively tried to convince the individual to surrender peacefully.
Despite their efforts, the situation escalated. As deputies cautiously approached, the suspect raised a firearm and pointed it toward the officers, presenting an immediate and grave threat. In response, deputies discharged their service weapons, striking the armed male. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) quickly arrived and attempted life-saving measures, but the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
Second Body Discovered Inside the Home
While securing the area, deputies entered the residence and discovered the body of an adult male inside, believed to be the suspect’s father. The circumstances surrounding his death are being treated as a homicide. Authorities have not yet released the names of either the deceased suspect or the alleged victim, pending family notification and further investigation.
Ongoing Investigation
The scene was swiftly secured by Botetourt County deputies, and an intensive investigation is now underway. Standard protocol dictates that the deputy-involved shooting will be reviewed thoroughly to ensure transparency and accountability. The Virginia State Police have been called in to assist in the investigation, and all involved officers have been placed on administrative leave, per departmental policy, during the review.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that no officers were physically injured during the incident, and no threat to the public remains. Residents in the area were briefly advised to remain indoors during the active investigation but were later informed that the situation had been contained.
Community Reaction and Support
The deadly series of events has left the Botetourt community reeling. High Ridge Circle, a normally quiet suburban neighborhood, was transformed into a scene of law enforcement vehicles, flashing lights, and shaken neighbors. Many expressed their shock and sorrow at the tragedy, with several residents commenting on the emotional toll this type of violence inflicts on a small, close-knit community.
Local mental health professionals and clergy are reportedly working with authorities to offer counseling services to neighbors, officers involved, and others affected by the traumatic incident.
Sheriff’s Office Statement
In a brief press conference, a spokesperson for the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office stated:
“This is a deeply saddening situation for everyone involved. Our deputies responded with courage and professionalism under extremely dangerous circumstances. The safety of our community is always our top priority, and we are fully cooperating with the state authorities as they conduct a thorough investigation.”
Call for Understanding and Patience
As investigators piece together the full sequence of events—including motives, background, and the mental state of the suspect—officials are asking the public for patience and cooperation. They stress that more details will be released as they become available, and any witnesses or individuals with information are encouraged to contact the sheriff’s office.
For now, the community of Botetourt mourns the loss of two lives—and reflects on the tragic toll of violence that shattered the calm of a summer morning.
