Politics & Government

Police: Creigh Deeds Stabbed by Son

Gus Deeds likely committed suicide after altercation, according to Virginia State Police. Mental health questions raised in news report.

By Greg Hambrick

Virginia State Police investigators say state Sen. Creigh Deeds was stabbed by his son multiple times in a Tuesday argument before the son, Austin “Gus” Deeds, killed himself.

Creigh Deeds is in fair condition at the University of Virginia Medical Center, according to Corinne Geller, a spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police. The Bath County senator was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2009.

Find out what's happening in Kingstowne-Rose Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Troopers responded to the Deeds home in Millboro at 7:25 a.m. Tuesday. Creigh Deeds and his son, 24, had an altercation. Gus Deeds allegedly stabbed his father multiple times in the head and upper torso, according to police.

Creigh Deeds fled the home and was picked up on a nearby road by his cousin. He was later airlifted to the medical center in Charlottesville.

Find out what's happening in Kingstowne-Rose Hillwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police found Gus Deeds in the home, according to Geller. He died from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.

Soon after the report Tuesday morning, questions arose over attempts for mental health intervention. According to a report by the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Gus Deeds was allegedly evaluated Monday, but was released because a psychiatric bed couldn’t be found for him.

Read more of the Richmond Times-Dispatch report.

Virginia governor-elect Terry McAuliffe released a statement about Creigh Deeds:

“Dorothy and I are praying for Sen. Creigh Deeds and his family in the wake of this awful tragedy," McAuliffe said. "This is a truly sad day for Virginia and for the many people who know Creigh as the fine public servant and friend he is. We join people across the Commonwealth and country in wishing him a full recovery.”

And Gov. Bob McDonnell has released a statement, offering his thoughts and prayers for the Deeds family:

"The news from this morning is utterly heartbreaking. Creigh Deeds is an exceptional and committed public servant who has always done what he believes is best for Virginia and who gives his all to public service. He cares deeply about Virginia, and the people of Virginia care deeply for him. I urge all Virginians today to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Creigh and for many more years of his public service to the Commonwealth. At this moment, our state unites in prayer for Creigh Deeds and his family."





Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Kingstowne-Rose Hill