Police: Man dies after shooting wife, then himself on Cabell Drive in Newport News; child called 911

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — Police say a man shot his wife before turning the gun on himself in a domestic incident Thursday afternoon near the Menchville area of the city.

The man was pronounced dead on the scene.

His wife sustained a life-threatening gunshot wound and was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.

It happened just after noon in the 200 block of Cabell Drive, police say. After hearing multiple gunshots coming from the home, arriving officers breached the home’s door and found the two victims on the floor.

Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew says a child who was inside the home at the time called 911.

Police arrived on scene and made entry through the door to find the two people both with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Officers immediately rendered aid to both of them, but the man was pronounced deceased.

Police also found a firearm inside the residence.

Police say they are not looking for any other suspects in the shooting.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families involved in today’s incident. Our officers acted quickly and efficiently at the scene, and I am extremely proud and impressed with their response. I am reminded of the risk they may face daily,” Drew said. “Domestic violence continues to be a major issue facing this city, and I remain committed to finding solutions. If you know of someone in a potentially dangerous relationship, I encourage you to reach out to the Police Department.”

10 On Your Side spoke to multiple neighbors and coworkers, who identified the man and woman involved. Police have not released their identities.

Those who knew the pair said the marriage was apparently breaking up between John and Brittany Shazier.

On social media, Brittany Shazier says she has seven children. One picture on social media shows her dressed as Snow White; her seven children are the seven dwarfs.

10 On Your Side found a protective order against John Shazier taken out by Brittany, which was to be enforced until May 18.

The order says he could come in the home, but not between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. It also says he is not to act hostile. He was allowed to be in the home at the time of the shooting, per the protective order.

Brittany’s friend, Amethyst Fisher, said she was disappointed the protective order wasn’t more restrictive.

“Whether that be physical abuse, mental abuse, my friend has been trying to go the correct route legally and by the book for a year, and maybe even more at this point,” Fisher said.

Fisher confirmed the rocky relationship. Brittany was trying to get a divorce and set up a GoFundMe page to pay for legal expenses.

“She’s a mother — a good person in our community. She has more strength, and I don’t know where she gets it from especially knowing what she has had to endure in her house from a man who is supposed to love her,” Fisher said.