Children Home During Virginia Murder-Suicide Tragedy

A married couple was discovered deceased in their Centreville, Virginia residence on Wednesday, September 9, in an incident authorities are treating as a murder-suicide. Brandon Brown, 31, is believed to have fatally shot his wife, Lavinia Brown, also 31, before taking his own life. Law enforcement responded to the home around 5:30 p.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Both individuals sustained apparent gunshot wounds to their upper bodies and were pronounced dead at the scene.

Of significant concern, three children belonging to the couple were present in the home at the time of the shooting. Fortunately, none of the children sustained physical injuries. The children have since been placed with extended family members. Victim services advocates from the Fairfax County Police Department are offering support to the family during this difficult time.

Authorities are awaiting autopsy results to officially confirm the cause and manner of death for both Brandon and Lavinia. The investigation is ongoing, and police are actively seeking any information from the public that could shed light on the events leading up to the tragedy. A motive has not yet been determined, nor is there information regarding any prior domestic violence issues.

Anyone with details regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Fairfax County Police Department's Major Crimes Bureau directly at 703-246-7800, option 2, or submit anonymous tips through Crime Solvers of Fairfax County or the P3 Tips app.