HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — Hampton Police are investigating an apparent murder-suicide in the area of Capps Quarters Tuesday morning.

According to officials, around 6:30 a.m., officers were dispatched to the first block of Capps Quarters for reports of a shooting incident. Upon arrival to the scene, officers located an adult male and adult female dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

An initial investigation revealed the man, who WAVY later learned was former Hampton Councilman Randy Gilliland, had contacted emergency communications to state he shot his mother.

Police said evidence suggests the man then took his own life before officers arrived to the scene.

The incident remains under investigation.

10 On Your Side Ashley Knight spoke to Douglas Pettie, a friend of Gilliland and his mother, Patsy for over 30 years.

“Great leaders in the community, someone I look up to and highly respect. This was a real tragedy for them and us,” Pettie said. “Randy was a super guy, I’d known him to be a good man all of his life.”

Around the same time police say they received the call to respond to Capps Quarters, Gilliland posted to his Facebook page. He wrote about several medical issues he’s been suffering with and mentioned his 86-year-old mother with Alzheimer’s. He said he was her sole caregiver. He ended the post with “I’m tired. I’m done. I’m checking out. Love you all. Goodbye.”

Hampton Mayor Jimmy Gray and City Manager Mary Bunting provided this joint statement to WAVY Tuesday:

We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of former Councilman Randy Gilliland. Randy served the City of Hampton with dedication and a genuine commitment to public service. During his time on City Council, he brought passion, thoughtfulness and integrity to his role, and he always worked in the best interest of our community.

Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all those who were touched by his life and leadership.

Out of respect for his loved ones and the grieving process, we will not be commenting on the circumstances surrounding his death. We ask that the community join us in honoring his memory and offering support to those closest to him during this difficult time.

Mayor Jimmy Gray and City Manager Mary Bunting

Pettie told Knight he even planned to take care of Patsy for a little while.

“I had planned, made plans to bring her over to my house for a little while. So, I love her. The best woman in Hampton, Virginia,” Pettie said. 

If you or someone you love is going through a hard time, help is out there. Reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. They also offer Chat services and deaf/HoH help on their website here.