Updated: Sept. 12, 12:30 a.m.
Detectives from the Homicide Unit have determined that the shooting in Gainesville early Saturday morning was not random and had stemmed from a physical altercation just prior to the shooting.
"All three victims were known to one another," police spokesman Officer Jonathan Perok said. "The relationship between the shooting suspect and the victims is currently being investigated."
Claude Lee Jackson III, 23, of Gainesville was shot and killed in the parking lot of a shopping center at the intersection of Charis Ave. and Old Linton Hall Rd.
Police are classifying the incident as a murder; the third in Prince William County this year.
The second seriously injured victim in this shooting is still hospitalized.
Updated: Sept. 12, 8:50 a.m.
Police confirmed the incident occurred in the parking lot at the shopping plaza located at the corner of
Original Story:
Prince William County Police are searching for a suspect in a shooting, which occurred in Gainesville overnight, and left a 23-year-old Gainesville man dead and two others injured.
Officers responded to the area of Old Linton Hall Rd. and for a shots fired call at 1:50 a.m. Saturday.
"Officers arrived and located two adult male victims in a nearby parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds," police spokesman Officer Jonathan Perok said. "Both victims were transported to nearby hospitals."
One victim died from his injuries and another, a 22-year-old man of Bristow, is suffering from life threatening injuries.
"While investigating, officers were approached by a third victim, identified as a 24-year-old man of Manassas, suffering from a minor graze wound to the hand," Perok said.
The suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival, possibly in a light colored SUV.
Police describe the suspect as a black man with dreads, last seen wearing a white shirt with sweatpants.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 703-792-6500. The investigation continues.
Bristow beat will continue to update the story.
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