Official IDs Gunman In Deadly Delaware Courthouse Shooting
WILMINGTON, Del. (CBS) – A law enforcement official has confirmed that the gunman in a shooting at a Delaware courthouse Monday that left three dead was the ex-father-in-law of one of the victims.
The gunman has been identified by the law enforcement official as 68-year-old Thomas Matusiewicz, the former father-in-law of Christine Belford, who police said was fatally shot Monday. Police identified the other victim as Belford's friend, Laura "Beth" Mulford, who is also a wife and mother of two and allegedly went with Belford for support Monday.
Mulford's family asked for privacy but released a statement Tuesday that reads in part:
"Beth was a friend to many. Her kind heart and generous spirit were evident in her support for her friend Christine... She will be deeply missed by her family and many friends."
Thomas Matusiewicz exchanged gunfire with police and also died.
The New Castle County Courthouse remained closed Tuesday as a team of investigators arrived at the building Tuesday morning and continued to collect evidence.
According to investigators, the gunman entered the lobby of the courthouse Monday morning along with his son, 45-year-old David Matusiewicz, who was involved in a custody battle over his three children with his ex-wife, Belford. While David went through courthouse security and out of the main lobby, officials say Thomas remained in the lobby until 8:15 a.m., when Christine Belford entered the courthouse. Thomas Matusiewicz then pulled out a gun and opened fire -- targeting his victim.
Authorities say Belford and Mulford were shot and killed by Thomas Matusiewicz. Matusiewicz was shot by police before shooting himself a second time in the head.
Two Capitol police officers were wounded during the shootout and were taken to Christiana Hospital with non-life threatening injuries where they were treated and released.
David Matusiewicz was located at the courthouse and interviewed by detectives. During the course of the interview it was determined that he was in violation of a federal probation violation and was held for hearing.
An autopsy performed on Thomas Matusiewicz on Tuesday determined he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
VIEW: Images From The Scene
Police are urging any eyewitnesses to the shooting to call: 302-834-2620 Ext 0.
Police also say that anyone who witnessed the events and needs counseling can call the Delaware State Police Victim Center at 1-800 VICTIM1 or 1-800-842-8461. Counselors will be available on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Goodstay Center of the University of Delaware located at 2600 Pennsylvania Avenue in Wilmington.
