Former politician's son kills self after apparent murder, chase
CAROLINE COUNTY, Va. -- Police say a former state senator's son fatally shot himself on a highway after committing a murder at a motel, and abducting a woman, reports CBS affiliate WTVR.
Deputies responded to the Relax Inn hotel in Bowling Green, Va., at around 8 a.m. Tuesday, after gunshots were heard in the background of a 911 call.
When the first deputy arrived, he witnessed a driver speed away with a passenger in the front seat, and began to pursue the vehicle.
The driver was identified by police as Todd Houck, son of Edd Houck, a former Virginia state senator who represented Spotsylvania from 1984 to 2012.
Houck fled north on Interstate-95, and the chase lasted for approximately 33 miles, until Houck pulled over, according to police.
State troopers heard gunshots as they approached, and found Houck, who died at the scene of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The female who he allegedly abducted was unharmed. Police said she and Houck knew each other, but were "estranged."
During the chase, deputies investigating at the motel discovered the body of 36-year-old Jeremy Gift, who had been fatally shot.
Officials are continuing to investigate and have not said what led up to the deadly confrontations.