WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. (WJHL) – UPDATE: A man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder as well as other charges after authorities found him at the scene of a shooting in Washington County, Virginia on Thursday.
According to a release from the Washington Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred around 6 a.m. at a home in the 14000 Peaceful Valley Road in Abingdon.
When deputies were called to the scene, they found a suspect near the front door with a handgun.
The suspect, identified as Albert Lee Ricketson, complied with demands to drop the weapon and was taken into custody, according to the release.
Sheriff Blake Andis said, “He did comply with officers. They did have to draw their weapons and it was basically firearm to firearm at one point.”
The release says two victims were found inside the home with apparent gunshot wounds.
They were pronounced dead at the scene, Sheriff Blake Andis said in a press conference Thursday.
A juvenile was also at the home and had allegedly been bitten by Ricketson during the struggle. He was treated at the scene by first responders.
The victims were identified as Misty Dawn Bishop, 38 of Bristol, Virginia and Trevor Alexander Sweat, 24 of Bristol, Tennessee.
Both victims will be sent to Roanoke for an autopsy at the Medical Examiner’s Office.
Ricketson, 29 of Abingdon, has been charged with two counts of first degree murder, two counts of use of a firearm during the commission of a felony and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
He is being held at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail in Abingdon without bond.
According to the sheriff’s office, other residents of the home have been placed in the care of teh Washington County Department of Social Services.
As of Thursday afternoon, no other suspects appear to be involved in the shooting.
Sheriff Andis said Peaceful Valley Road is not known to be a dangerous area.
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A double homicide in Washington County, Virginia has left two people dead, according to Sheriff Blake Andis.
Sheriff Andis told News Channel the shooting occurred on Peaceful Valley Road.
The sheriff’s office has confirmed the shooting was a double homicide.
More details are expected to be released at a news conference at 1 p.m. on Thursday.
No further information has been released.
News Channel 11 will continue to follow this developing story online an on-air.
