Mother Was In Custody Battle Before She Shot Kids: Report

TYSONS CORNER, VA—The McLean woman facing a murder charge for killing one juvenile and injuring another in Tysons Corner is their mother and had a custody agreement worked out in court, records indicate.

Veronica Youngblood, 33, who is being held without bond, appeared in court Tuesday. She is accused of shooting the two juveniles in the 1500 block of Lincoln Circle Sunday night. One was pronounced dead on scene and the other was taken to the hospital in a life-threatening condition.

Authorities did not release the identities of the juveniles, but audio of a 911 call before Youngblood's arrest indicates they are her children. An acquaintance called 911 when Youngblood showed up at her home in Loudoun County. "Advising the suspect is there saying she just killed her two daughters. Currently has a gun," said a dispatcher during the call, obtained by NBC Washington. Authorities recovered a gun believed to be involved when she was arrested in Loudoun County.

The medical examiner confirmed to NBC Washington the 5-year-old girl died of a gunshot wound in her head.

Court records obtained by the news station show Youngblood had been in a custody battle with her ex-husband. They are divorced but live together to both be with the kids. According to the custody agreement, Youngblood was about to move to Missouri with her ex-husband but was against leaving.

Youngblood told a judge Tuesday she did not want an attorney, but a judge insisted on a public defender due to the charge she's facing. Fairfax County Police say additional charges could be coming.

Detectives continue to investigate the events leading to the shooting.

(For more on this and other local stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

Image via Fairfax County Police