Office of the Sheriff

County of Franklin
70 East Court Street
Rocky Mount, Virginia 24151
Sheriff

W.Q. Bill Overton, Jr.

540-483-3000

News Release
Contact:
Lt. Phillip Young
Office of the Sheriff, Franklin County
(540) 483-3039
phillipyoung@franklincountyva.gov
Release Date: 8/28/15

Investigation Continues into Double Homicide at Smith Mountain Lake

MONETA, Va. The Franklin County Sheriffs Office is still actively investigating the fatal shootings
that took place the morning of Aug. 26, 2015, at the Bridgewater Plaza near Smith Mountain Lake. The
incident claimed the lives of two WDBJ-TV employees and seriously wounded a Bedford County
resident. The shooting suspect, Vester L. Flanagan, 41, of Roanoke, Va., then shot himself hours later
while driving along Interstate 66 in Fauquier County, Va. He died a short time later at a Northern
Virginia hospital.
Investigators with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office, Virginia State Police, FBI and ATF have been
working around the clock since the shootings occurred to collect, analyze, and process a significant
amount of evidence, interviews, documentation, etc. That work will continue for several more weeks
as investigators proceed with the investigation. At this stage of the investigation, we are able to release
the following new information:

Based on evidence collected at the Franklin County scene, Flanagan fired 17 rounds from a
Glock pistol.

State police recovered two handguns, both Glock pistols, from Flanagans rental vehicle that
crashed along Interstate 66 in Fauquier County.

No additional firearms have been recovered at any other locations associated with Flanagan.

At the time of his apprehension in Fauquier County, Flanagan was not wearing any type of
body armor or other protective clothing. Investigators are still working to determine if he was
wearing protective clothing or gear at the shooting scene in Franklin County.

Based on the evidence collected and analyzed to date, it is evident that Wednesday mornings
attack was well planned and pre-meditated.

Investigators also believe, at this stage of the investigation and based on careful scrutiny of the
evidence and numerous interviews with friends, family, former colleagues, and other associates,
that Flanagan acted alone and shared his plans with no one.

Despite the large number of documents, to include the manifesto faxed to a national news
organization, writings he left behind at his apartment, and letters seized from the Chevrolet
Sonic in Fauquier County, Flanagan left no indication as to his eventual destination or his
next/final actions.

Based on careful scrutiny of those writings and evidence seized from his apartment, it is
apparent that Flanagan closely identified with individuals who have committed domestic acts of
violence and mass murder, as well as the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the U.S.

The Franklin County Sheriffs Office expresses its sincere appreciation to the law enforcement
response and assistance with this complex investigation. We also cannot thank the public enough for
their support, tips, and assistance in the wake of this tragic incident.
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