Woodbridge, Virginia — A shooting incident at a homeless encampment near the Prince William Square Shopping Center has resulted in the death of one man and injuries to two others, according to local authorities. A Fredericksburg man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the incident.
Emergency calls flooded in just after 5 p.m. Wednesday from the Smoketown Road area, prompting a swift response from first responders. Upon arrival, they discovered one man with a gunshot wound to the leg and another with a hand injury. As they ventured further into a wooded area lined with tents, responders found a third man who had been shot; he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased was identified as Tevon Dean Haskins, 29, of Woodbridge. The injured men, both aged 42, were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries that are not life-threatening.
A day after the shooting, Dean Campbell, 45, of Fredericksburg, was apprehended. He faces several serious charges, including murder and malicious wounding, along with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Authorities indicated that an argument led to the shooting, although the exact cause of the conflict remains unclear. They emphasized that this was not a random act of violence and are still investigating whether the victims were living at the encampment or visiting for other reasons.
Pastor Jesse Jones Jr., who operates a Christian bookstore in the shopping center, recounted his shock upon learning about the incident. He had closed his store for the day just before the shots rang out. “I’ve seen people pass through the woods, but I was unaware of the tents until today,” he said. Jones expressed his regret over the violence occurring so close to a community hub where families shop and work.
The impact of this tragic event has resonated throughout the local community, sparking discussions about violence and homelessness. “If we can change lives, we can save lives,” Jones remarked, calling for greater efforts to address societal issues that lead to such confrontations.
Campbell is being held without bond and awaits a court hearing to address the charges against him. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to come forward.