News Summary
A Virginia Beach man, Bryan Burton, has been charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm following the shooting death of his girlfriend, Christine Donahue. The incident occurred Saturday afternoon, with police responding to a 911 call reporting gunfire. Upon arrival, officers found Donahue deceased with a shotgun wound. Burton allegedly attempted to harm himself upon police arrival. This violent incident, occurring in a typically quiet neighborhood, has raised community concerns regarding safety and domestic violence.
Virginia Beach Man Charged with Murder Following Fatal Shooting of Girlfriend
Authorities in Virginia Beach have arrested a man in connection with the fatal shooting of his girlfriend, which took place early Saturday morning. The suspect, Bryan Burton, 54, has been charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony related to the death of Christine Donahue, 54, also of Virginia Beach.
The incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, in the 600 block of Oleander Circle. Police were initially alerted by a 911 call from a neighbor who reported bullet holes in their property. Upon arrival, officers discovered the deceased woman outside a neighboring home and noted she had a significant chest wound consistent with being shot by a shotgun.
When police located Burton, he was found in the patio area allegedly holding a gun to his head after firing it. Upon police approach, he fell to the ground but appeared to have no visible injuries. During questioning, Burton claimed that Donahue was planning to kick him out, which prompted him to shoot her.
Details of the incident
Police responded to the scene around 12:20 p.m. and verified the shooting incident after receiving the neighbor’s call. Witnesses in the area reported hearing loud pops, which they suspected were gunshots. Many residents expressed shock and disbelief at the level of violence in what is typically considered a quiet neighborhood.
Bryan Burton is scheduled to appear in court on June 12 as the case proceeds. The Virginia Beach Police Department has classified this incident as a homicide and is continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Previous incidents
Separately, another investigation is underway by authorities in Virginia Beach following a different fatal shooting earlier the same morning. In this incident, officers found a person dead due to gunshot wounds in the Great Neck area around 2:15 a.m. However, the police have provided limited details regarding this case, which is also classified as a homicide.
This spate of violence has raised concerns within the community, as residents are grappling with the reality of such tragedies occurring in their area. The police have yet to release identifying information regarding the victim of the Great Neck shooting.
Background context
Violent crime, while not uncommon in many urban areas, often leaves communities shaken when such incidents occur within their own neighborhoods. The recent events in Virginia Beach have sparked discussions about safety and security in the region. This weekend’s shootings are part of a disturbing trend that has been observed in various parts of the country, causing local law enforcement agencies to reevaluate strategies and responses to domestic disputes and gun violence.
As Virginia Beach works through these incidents, the police department continues to urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and justice for the victims and their families as the community seeks to heal from the shock of these occurrences.
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Additional Resources
- Pilot Online: Fatal Shooting in Virginia Beach
- WTKR: Man Charged with 2nd Degree Murder in Virginia Beach
- 13 News Now: Virginia Beach Murder Suspect Interview
- Wavy: Woman Found Dead in Virginia Beach
- Wikipedia: Crime in the United States
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VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your trusted source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with comprehensive coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—supported by years of expert reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while offering top reporting on high-profile events like the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and military homecoming celebrations, alongside key organizations such as the Virginia Aquarium, Virginia Beach Convention Center, and Oceana Naval Air Station, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense like Busch Gardens and Northrop Grumman, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREWilliamsburg.com, providing credible, in-depth insights into Virginia's vibrant landscape. HERE Virginia Beach HERE Williamsburg
