Eddie Hairston III Obituary, Death – Chesterfield County police have released the identity of a man who was fatally shot during a domestic incident early Thursday morning. Authorities say the shooting is currently being treated as a justifiable homicide after evidence indicated the man had attacked a woman and threatened her life.
The victim was identified as 38-year-old Eddie Hairston III, who lived on the 12300 block of Moores Lake Road. Officers responded to reports of an assault involving a firearm at an apartment on Moores Lake Road around 4:07 a.m.
When law enforcement arrived, they discovered Hairston inside the residence suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to assist, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to police, the preliminary investigation suggests the shooting took place after a heated domestic dispute between Hairston and a woman who was present in the apartment. Authorities stated that Hairston had physically assaulted the woman and, during the altercation, threatened her life with a firearm. Fearing for her safety, the woman used a gun to shoot Hairston, striking him several times.
Chesterfield police emphasized that the case remains under investigation, but at this stage, the evidence supports classifying the incident as a justifiable homicide. Investigators will continue to review all aspects of the confrontation, including the timeline of events and the actions of both parties leading up to the shooting. Standard procedures such as evidence collection, interviews, and forensic examination will be conducted to ensure a thorough and accurate determination.
Authorities did not release the identity of the woman involved, citing privacy concerns and the ongoing nature of the investigation. Officials stressed that no arrests have been made in connection to the case, as current findings point toward self-defense.
The shooting has brought renewed focus on issues of domestic violence and the risks individuals face in abusive relationships. Police often urge victims of domestic abuse to seek help and utilize available resources to ensure their safety before disputes escalate to violence. Incidents such as this highlight the life-or-death situations that can arise in households where threats and aggression are present.
Community members in Chesterfield have expressed shock at the early-morning violence but also sympathy for the woman who police say acted to protect herself. Law enforcement noted that it is not uncommon for domestic incidents to escalate quickly, leaving those involved with limited options in moments of fear and danger.
While police continue to process the case, they encourage anyone with additional information about the incident to come forward. Witnesses or community members with knowledge relevant to the investigation can contact the Chesterfield County Police Department at 804-748-1251. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660.
Authorities say once their investigation concludes, the findings will be reviewed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to ensure proper handling of the case under Virginia law. Cases classified as justifiable homicides typically involve situations where an individual acted in self-defense against an immediate and potentially lethal threat.
For now, police stress that the classification reflects the preliminary evidence and that the woman involved is not facing charges at this time. Investigators will release further updates as new information becomes available.
The fatal shooting of Eddie Hairston III marks another tragic outcome of domestic violence but, according to police, also underscores the legal right of individuals to defend themselves when faced with deadly threats inside their own homes.
