VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — A suspect in a homicide investigation in Virginia Beach has been charged Monday after a woman was found dead on Oleander Circle Saturday afternoon.

Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services received a call for service in the 600 block of Oleander Circle at approximately 12:20 p.m. A resident called 911 to report bullet holes in their property.

“It was probably around 11:30 or 11, 11:30 or so, and we heard a couple loud pops,” said one neighbor. “My great niece says that sounds like a gun.”

Upon arrival, officers found a woman deceased outside on a neighboring property. The woman was later identified as 54-year-old Christine Donahue.

“I’ve been out here since 2001, and nothing like this has ever happened in this. This neighborhood has been quiet. Neighbors are nice. For this to happen is just very shocking and just very overwhelming to see this occur,” said another neighbor.

While on the scene, police identified Brian Burton, 54, as the suspect. He was then taken into custody and charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. 

According to court documents obtained by WAVY, police found Burton on the back patio. They said Burton was holding a gun towards his head. He pulled the trigger and fell to the ground. Officers went to provide aid to Burton but discovered he was not injured.

When officers asked him what happened, according to court documents he said he shot his girlfriend because she was going to kick him out.

Donahue died before medics could get her to the hospital. Police believe she was shot in the chest with a shotgun.

Burton was in court Monday to face the charges. He’s expected back in court on June 12.

The investigation is currently active and ongoing. There is no known threat to the community.