Dale City Shooting Ruled A Murder-Suicide After Victim Dies: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A 52-year-old Woodbridge woman has died of injuries she suffered when she was shot at her home in Dale City on Sept. 10, according to the Prince William County Police Department. The woman was identified as Mercedes Moore, and her death was ruled a homicide.

Authorities claimed Mercedes Moore was shot by her husband, Darin Moore. Moore died on Sept. 10 after he shot himself, police said. The incident was ruled as a murder-suicide, and the case has been cleared due to the death of the offender.

Police officers responded to a home in the 14700 block of Darbydale Avenue at 2:23 a.m. on Sept. 10. A report from the police department said the incident began as a domestic dispute.

As officers were on their way to the scene, they received more information that indicated that gunshots were fired in the home, according to the police report. When officers arrived on the scene, they found an 8-year-old boy and evacuated him from the home.

When they entered the home, the officers found two victims who had suffered gunshot wounds, the police department announced in September. Authorities said both victims were shot inside the home. Through their investigation, detectives determined that when their argument escalated, Darin Moore shot his wife before shooting himself.

The man, who was later identified as Darin Moore, was pronounced dead at the scene. The woman, who police have since identified as Mercedes Moore, was still alive when police entered the home, according to a report from the police department. They administered first aid to her until rescue personnel arrived.

She was flown to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. On Thursday, Oct. 28, detectives with the Violent Crimes Unit learned that Mercedes Moore had died as a result of her injuries.

The 8-year-old boy who police evacuated from the scene was in the home at the time of the shooting, authorities said. He was uninjured and released to the custody of a family member.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233. They also offer a live online chat function for victims.

Locally, Actions in Community Through Service has a number of resources available for victims of domestic violence. They offer court advocacy, a shelter, crisis counseling, and support groups. They even have a safehouse to keep families together as they receive help. Their hotline can be reached at 703-221-4951.

If you or someone you know is considering harming themselves, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255. Immediate help is also available in an emergency by dialing 9-1-1.