UPDATE: Suspect In Murders Of Reporters Has Shot Himself, Police Say Still Alive
The suspect who allegedly shot and killed two reporters on air this morning reportedly has shot himself. He is still alive, contrary to earlier reports.
Vester Flanagan, known on-air as Bryce Williams, is the man believed to have shot and killed a reporter and her cameraman during a live on-air segment early this morning. Flanagan is also believed to have filmed the murders, and posted the video to his Facebook page, subsequently tweeting a link to the video as well.
Both his Facebook and Twitter accounts were shut down almost immediately.
Breaking. Police on scene of person who just shot himself on I 66 eastbound. pic.twitter.com/BTKVfi9K0b
— Paul Wagner (@Fox5Wagner) August 26, 2015
Police were tracking him, and CNN reports authorities state they confronted him and he shot himself. Other reports are coming in stating he is dead.
#BREAKING: Man suspected of killing two WDBJ7 employees kills himself on I-66 in Fauquier Co. http://t.co/XLx3pS2I5X
— WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) August 26, 2015
UPDATE 12:09 PM EDT –
Having reported the suspect dead, WDBJ now reports he is still alive and in critical condition. Other local news stations had also reported him dead, per state police.
UPDATE: State police now say man suspected of killing two WDBJ7 employees shot himself, and he is still alive http://t.co/XLx3pS2I5X
— WDBJ7 (@WDBJ7) August 26, 2015
UPDATE II 2:50 PM EDT –
Breaking: Suspected Shooter Of Two Journalists Dead, State Police Say. Left Rambling ‘Suicide Note’
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EARLIER:
Suspect In Murder Of Reporters Allegedly Posts Video Of Shooting To Facebook
UPDATE III: Reporter, Cameraman Shot And Killed During Live Morning News Report (Video)
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This is a breaking news story. Details may change. It will be updated.
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