VA State Senator Creigh Deeds Seriously Injured in Assault
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Win McNamee/Getty Images(BATH CO., Va.) — Creigh Deeds, a former Democratic nominee for governor of Virginia, is in fair condition at a Virginia hospital after he was stabbed multiple times in his home. His son, 24-year-old Gus Deeds, was pronounced dead at the scene, state police said.
Creigh Deeds was stabbed multiple times in the head and upper torso, but was capable of speaking with police and investigators, Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller said.
First responders attempted to treat his son, she said, but he succumbed to his gunshot wound.
Police are not searching for any suspects, but are still investigating the motive and the sequence of events at the Millboro, Va., home.
After the stabbing, Deeds, 55, walked down the hill from his rural Bath County home to Route 42, where he was spotted by a cousin who was driving along the road. A 911 call was placed from the cousin’s home, police said.
Deeds was transported by ambulance to a relative’s farm where he was flown by medevac helicopter to the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville at 7:25 Tuesday morning after sustaining “serious injuries,” police said.
Police said they believe the incident occurred shortly before the 911 call was made Tuesday morning, but they would not release any information about who made the call.
Gus Deeds attended William and Mary College in Virginia, but he withdrew from the university last month, the school said. He had been a student off and on since 2007. Gus Deeds was the senator’s only son. He had three daughters: Rebecca, Susannah and Amanda. His 20-year marriage to his first wife, Pamela, ended in 2010. Deeds remarried Siobhan Deeds in 2012. Police declined to say whether anyone else was in the house at the time of the incident or who made the 911 call.
The Senate released an official statement in response to the news: “The thoughts and prayers of members of the Senate of Virginia and its staff are with Senator Creigh Deeds and his family and staff during this difficult time. He is a dedicated, conscientious public servant who cares deeply for his family and the Commonwealth of Virginia. This is a tragedy for everyone.”
In a statement, Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell called the news “utterly heartbreaking.” “In this tough and sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Deeds family,” McDonnell said. “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.
“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,” he added.
Deeds has served in the state Senate since 2001. He ran for state attorney general in 2005 and lost narrowly to McDonnell. And, in 2009, Deeds became the Democratic nominee for governor but lost again to McDonnell.
Several Virginia politicians expressed their shock at the news through social media.
Senator Mark Warner tweeted: “Stunning news from Bath County. I am praying for @CreighDeeds and his family at this very, very difficult time,” while Congressman Eric Cantor tweeted: “Praying for Creigh Deeds and his family.”
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