Police: Creigh Deeds Stabbed by Son in Apparent Murder-Suicide Attempt

By Greg Hambrick

State Sen. Creigh Deeds was stabbed by his son multiple times in a Tuesday argument before the son, Austin “Gus” Deeds, killed himself, investigators with the Virginia State Police say.

Creigh Deeds is in fair condition at the University of Virginia Medical Center, according to Corinne Geller, a spokeswoman for the Virginia State Police. The Bath County senator was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2009.

Troopers responded to the Deeds home in Millboro at 7:25 a.m. Tuesday. Creigh Deeds and his son, 24, had an argument. Gus Deeds allegedly stabbed his father multiple times in the head and upper torso, according to police.

Creigh Deeds was able to leave the home and was picked up on a nearby road by his cousin. He was later airlifted to the medical center in Charlottesville.

Police found Gus Deeds in the home, according to Geller. He died from what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to police.

Soon after the report Tuesday morning, questions arose over attempts for mental health intervention. Gus Deeds was given a mental health evaluation Monday, but was released because a psychiatric bed couldn’t be found for him in western Virginia, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Times-Dispatch: Creigh Deeds' Son Had Mental Health Evaluation Monday

“In this tough and sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Deeds family," Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell said in a statement. "The news from this morning is utterly heartbreaking. Creigh Deeds is an exceptional and committed public servant who has always done what he believes is best for Virginia and who gives his all to public service. He cares deeply about Virginia, and the people of Virginia care deeply for him. I urge all Virginians today to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Creigh and for many more years of his public service to the Commonwealth. At this moment, our state unites in prayer for Creigh Deeds and his family.”

Virginia Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe, who lost the 2009 Democratic primary to Deeds, also released a statement:

“Dorothy and I are praying for Sen. Creigh Deeds and his family in the wake of this awful tragedy," McAuliffe said. "This is a truly sad day for Virginia and for the many people who know Creigh as the fine public servant and friend he is. We join people across the Commonwealth and country in wishing him a full recovery.”

This article has been updated.