4 charged after Virginia shooting that killed 3, authorities say

Four people were charged Wednesday in connection with a shooting that killed three people and wounded three others in Virginia, authorities said.

Three suspects have been arrested on charges of malicious wounding and felony firearm use. Jeremiah Upson, 18, and a 16-year-old and 17-year-old were arrested early Wednesday morning, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office said.

Police said another 16-year-old, who was in the hospital with a gunshot wound, was charged and would be arrested upon his release. Authorities did not identify the three juvenile suspects.

Police said the shooting stemmed from an illegal gun sale and robbery. Gunfire was reported Tuesday evening at a town house complex just outside Fredericksburg, about 65 miles (105 kilometers) southwest of Washington, said Maj. Elizabeth Scott, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office.

When officials arrived, they found all of the victims outside, Scott said. Police said three men were declared dead: Chase Feaster, 18; Alonzo Goffney, 18; and a 20-year-old man, whom police did not yet identify.

The three injured were taken to hospitals with gunshot wounds, police said. Their conditions and other information about them were not immediately available. The shootings may have been committed by more than one person, Scott said.

An attorney for Upson was not listed in court records, according to the Spotsylvania County Juvenile Domestic Relations Court. The Fredericksburg Public Defender’s Office, which serves Spotsylvania County, did not respond to a request for comment on whether they were representing Upson. He was not listed in public records.

Authorities also asked for any witnesses to send any video that could help the investigation.

Officials urged people to avoid the scene while authorities investigated. Area schools delayed openings by two hours on Wednesday morning.

In a statement on its website, Fredericksburg City Public Schools said the delay “will allow us the necessary time to prepare our buildings and staff to welcome students with the care and support they may need during this difficult time.”

Spotsylvania County Public Schools also announced a two-hour delay Wednesday, saying it would allow staff to have support in place to help students and staff who may have been impacted. The support included additional deputies and presence from the sheriff's office at each of the high schools, the school system said on its website.

___

Olivia Diaz is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.