DUMFRIES, Va. — Two people were shot to death inside the basement after a man forced his way into the residence in Dumfries, Virginia, officials said. The family dog was also shot.
The incident happened in the 17400 block of the Isle Royale Terrance at 11:16 p.m. on Wednesday. Prince William County police said a man forced his way into the residence when the adults and dog were found shot inside the home. According to police, the man fled in a vehicle before police arrived at the scene.
Officers rendered first aid to one of the victims before he was taken away by rescue personnel to a nearby hospital. Police confirmed Javon Alberto Williams, 24, of Dumfries, died from his injuries the next morning.
The woman, who later identified as Alyssa Trynese Gainey, 22, of Woodbridge, was pronounced at the scene.
The Pitbull mix was also shot and had to be euthanized due to the injuries suffered in the shooting. Prince William County police said the incident was isolated to the home, and the parties involved were known to one another.
Neighbor Margaret Adu said her granddaughters' school bus stop was surrounded by yellow crime scene tape Thursday morning. She described the neighborhood as quiet and close-knit where neighbors often spend time together.
"I'm so sad hearing this," said Adu, "Why would he do this? This makes me think of my two granddaughters, they are girls, and now I think I need to talk to them about these things."
A police investigation revealed the suspect and the woman were previously in a relationship. In an attempt to locate the suspect, the vehicle he was driving, and additional information about the man were provided to the area law enforcement. Virginia State Police troopers also 'saturated' area roadways outside the county.
Shortly before 2 a.m., Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Police Department officers reported seeing the suspect vehicle enter a short-term parking lot on the property of Dulles International Airport.
Law enforcement at the airport, coordinated with Virginia State Police, along with helicopter assistance from Fairfax County police, found the vehicle in the lot.
The suspect was identified as 24-year-old Desmond Malcolm (Daniel) from Woodbridge.
He was arrested and charged Thursday with two counts of 2nd degree murder, two counts of using a firearm in commission of a felony, one count of shooting into an occupied dwelling and one count of entering a dwelling to commit murder.
Police say he is being held without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for January 10, 2023.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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