Update on VSP Investigation into Bridgewater College Fatal Shootings

As the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Culpeper Field Office continues to follow up with witnesses and work through the criminal investigation, we are able to release the following updates:

Alexander W. Campbell

Alexander W. Campbell, 27, of Ashland, Va., was appointed an attorney today. His arraignment in the Harrisonburg/Rockingham County Circuit Court was continued to Feb. 16, 2022, at 1 p.m. Campbell is still being held at the Rockingham County Jail without bond on the following charges:

• 1 felony count of aggravated murder of a police officer (Code of VA 18.2-31)
• 1 felony count of first degree murder (Code of VA 18.2-32)
• 1 felony count of aggravated murder of multiple persons within 3 years (Code of VA 18.2-31)
• 1 felony count of aggravated murder of multiple persons (Code of VA 18.2-31)
• 1 felony count of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony (Code of VA 18.2-53.1)

The investigation continues into determining if Campbell was shot by Officer Painter or suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

No additional details related to motive, circumstances of the interaction between Campbell and the officers, or any evidence collected during the course of the investigation will be released at this time. State police are still encouraging anyone with video/images or information related to this shooting, to please share with investigators at vsphtcs@vsp.virginia.gov.

A law enforcement procession returning Bridgewater College Police Officer John E. Painter, 55, and Bridgewater College Campus Safety Officer Vashon A. “JJ” Jefferson, 48, home from Roanoke will take place Thursday, Feb. 3, at approximately 2 p.m. along Interstate 81.

VSP investigation continues into Bridgewater College fatal shootings