Watch CBS News

Va. Reporter, Photographer Shot To Death On Live TV, Suspect Dead

MONETA, Va. (WJZ) -- Tragedy unfolds on live TV in Virginia. A young reporter and her cameraman are shot and killed while on-air. A disgruntled former employee--at the center of it all.

Rick Ritter has more on the victims and what led the gunman to this heinous act.

Both victims found love at work.

The alleged gunman's manifesto paints a picture of someone filled with anger, as many try and come to grips with this senseless tragedy.

It's the unthinkable for many—two young journalists gunned down on live TV. Their loved ones—holding on to what's left.

"Inside and out, the most beautiful woman I ever met. And I was lucky enough to call her my girlfriend," said Chris Hurst, dated Alison Parker, anchor at WDBJ.

Chris Hurst and Alison Parker were colleagues at WDBJ. The two had been dating for nine months and planned to get married.

The Virginia native just celebrated her 24th birthday—a promising reporter with nothing less than a bright career ahead.

"Alison was a marvelous storyteller," said Hurst.

Adam Ward, 27, had worked at the station since graduating from Virginia Tech in 2011.

He was engaged to a morning producer at the station. She was in the control room watching live when the shooting happened.

Wednesday was her last day before starting a new job in North Carolina. Ward planned to follow her there.

Alleged gunman Vester Flanagan went by Bryce Williams on TV.

After the shooting, someone claiming to be Williams faxed a 23 page letter to ABC News, referring to the Charleston massacre in June, saying in part: "What sent me over the top was the church shooting. And my hollow point bullets have the victims' initials on them."

He later added that he suffered racial discrimination and bullying at work, claiming he was attacked by black men and white females for being a gay black man.

AUTHORITIES HOLD WEDNESDAY PRESS CONFERENCE:

The assassinations have rattled the entire country and left wounds, that, for some, may never heal.

Flanagan filed discrimination lawsuits against two of his former stations. One was settled out of court and another was dismissed.

Stay with WJZ for complete coverage of the TV news crew murders. As we get more information on the suspect and the motive, we will bring it to you.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.