Virginia Officer Killed: U.S. Soldier Shot Wife Before Shooting Officers, Police Say

WOODBRIDGE, VA - A U.S. solider stationed at the Pentagon is facing murder charges after allegedly killing his wife and then opening fire on police, killing one officer and critically injuring two others, Prince William County Police announced Sunday.

Officers responded Saturday evening to a domestic incident in the 13000 block of Lashmere Court. At a press conference, Chief Steve Hudson told reporters officers responded to a domestic violence call around 5:40 p.m. and as they approached the front door of the home, the accused opened fire, striking three officers.

All three officers were critically injured in the shooting and taken to Inova Fairfax Hospital. Police announced late Saturday that Officer Ashley Guindon, 28, succumbed to her injuries. It was Guindon’s first day back on patrol.

Ronald Williams Hamilton, 32, of 13051 Lashmere Court in Woodbridge, is charged with captial murder of a police officer, first degree murder, two counts of malicious wounding of a police officer and two counts of use of a firearm in commission of a felony

The two other officers are still being treated at Inova Fairfax.

They have been identified as Officer Jesse Hempen, 31, an 8-year veteran of the police department, and Officer David McMeown, 33, a 10-year veteran of the police department. Both officers are expected to make a full recovery.

After Hamilton was taken into custody, police found the body of his wife, Crystal Hamilton, 29. An 11-year-old escaped the home at some point during the dispute. He will be cared for by family members. Police said Hamilton’s wife was able to call 911 but was allegedly shot and killed before officers arrived.

At a press conference on Sunday, Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert told reporters it is likely that authorities will pursue the death penalty. Ebert also confirmed that Hamilton was stationed at the Pentagon.

Guindon is the fourth Prince William County police officer to be killed in the line of duty and only the second to be feloniously killed.

Images courtesy Prince William County Police

Image One: Pictured from left to right: Officer Ashley Guindon, Officer Jesse Hempen and Officer David McKeown

Image Two: Mugshot of Ronald Hamilton