FORT WASHINGTON, Md. — A man is facing charges after police say he killed his wife and son and shot a third person leading to an hours-long barricade situation in Fort Washington Thursday evening.
According to the Prince George's County Police Department, 62-year-old Michael Kevin Burch shot and killed his wife, 52-year-old Rori Burch, and their son, 25-year-old Michael Burch, Jr., at their home. A third person was also shot but is expected to survive.
Officers were called to the home in the 1900 block of Tall Timber Court around 5:45 p.m. for reports of a shooting.
When police arrived, they say Michael Kevin Burch refused to come out, barricading himself inside the home. Neighbors were asked to shelter in place on the lowest level of their homes during the stand-off.
"When I came back (home) they had the street blocked off," a neighbor told WUSA9. "So I pulled over and I got out. Then I heard about 4 to 5 shots and then the police retreated from the house and they said there was an active shooter and had us move back."
For several hours, the Emergency Services Team and PGPD negotiators attempted to talk with Michael Kevin Burch but he refused.
"We didn’t know if there were other victims inside," Assistant Chief Vernon Hale III said Thursday night. "We didn't know If there were children. We were out here trying to make those determinations."
According to court documents, a witness told police they say Rori Burch running outside of her home, as her husband Michael chased after her holding a firearm. The witness told investigators they saw him shoot multiple times at his wife, and as she feel to the ground, he walked up and shot her in the head, before running back into the home.
Investigators say a neighbor had gone to the house to help after the suspect shot his wife, but Michael Burch shot them after the neighbor knocked on the door.
Fives hours later after the initial shooting, officers went into the home and took Michael Burch into custody.
According to court documents, he was found in an upstairs bedroom, with a rifle and a handgun. Investigators say there was also a strong odor of gas in the home.
They also found Michael Burch Jr, with multiple gunshot wounds inside the home. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
As that was happening, other officers found Rori Burch dead in the yard.
Michael Burch is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and related charges. There is no word on what caused him to start shooting or kill his wife and son.
As for the neighbor, PGPD told WUSA9 Friday night, that he is in stable condition.
Other residents of Tall Timber Court told WUSA9 the neighbor who tried to help is a great guy who would often offer to shovel or mow the grass for his neighbors.
"Such a great neighbor," said one of his neighbors. "As you enter and exit the neighborhood always waves to you always has something nice to say," they shared.
No one was surprised that he would run over to try and help.
"He's just really a standup neighbor. My thoughts go out to him I really hope he pulls through".
Police report that Rori and Michael Burch Jr.'s deaths are the 17th domestic-related murder the department has investigated this year.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 301-516-2512. Callers may also reach out through Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), or go online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com.