CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. – Chesterfield County Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 38-year-old man, Eddie Hairston III, in what they are preliminarily describing as a case of justifiable homicide stemming from a violent domestic dispute. The incident occurred in the pre-dawn hours of Thursday morning at a residence on Moores Lake Road.

The shooting took place at approximately 4:07 a.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Police were dispatched to the 12300 block of Moores Lake Road for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon. Upon arrival, they discovered Hairston inside the home, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Chesterfield County Police Department, their initial investigation indicates that an adult female, who was also in the residence, shot Hairston after he allegedly assaulted her and threatened her life while brandishing a firearm.

While the investigation remains active and ongoing, authorities have stated that based on the preliminary evidence, they are currently treating the incident as a justifiable homicide. They have also assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community. No charges have been filed against the female shooter, and her identity has not been released.

A Pre-Dawn Call and a Tragic Discovery

The call to the Chesterfield Emergency Communications Center came in while the county was still dark. The report of an “assault with a deadly weapon” is one of the most high-risk calls for law enforcement, and officers responded with urgency to the quiet, residential neighborhood of Moores Lake Road.

When they arrived and made entry into the home, they were met with a tragic scene. Eddie Hairston III was found with gunshot wounds and was determined to be deceased. The adult female who had shot him was present at the scene and was immediately cooperative with the officers.

Detectives were called in, and the home was secured as a crime scene. For several hours, as the sun rose over Chesterfield, investigators worked to piece together the violent events that had transpired inside. They collected forensic evidence, documented the scene, and conducted initial interviews. The investigation quickly focused on the narrative that the shooting was an act of self-defense in the face of a deadly threat.

The Preliminary Investigation: A Narrative of Self-Defense

In a statement released to the public, the Chesterfield County Police Department provided a preliminary account of the incident that points toward a classic case of self-defense. The narrative that has emerged from the initial investigation is as follows:

1. A severe domestic dispute occurred between Eddie Hairston III and the adult female.
2. During this dispute, Hairston allegedly escalated the situation by brandishing a firearm.
3. He then allegedly physically assaulted the woman and explicitly threatened her life.
4. Fearing for her life and facing an imminent deadly threat, the woman, who was also armed, fired her own weapon, striking Hairston multiple times.

Police have stressed that this is the preliminary finding and that the investigation is far from over. However, this initial determination that the shooting may have been justified is a significant development and indicates that the evidence found at the scene, along with the woman’s statement, strongly supports her claim of self-defense. Detectives are now working to corroborate this narrative through further forensic analysis and a deeper investigation into the history of the relationship.

Justifiable Homicide Explained: The Legal Framework in Virginia

The term “justifiable homicide” is a legal conclusion, not a casual description. For the police to use this language publicly, even in a preliminary stage, suggests they have a high degree of confidence in the self-defense narrative.

Under Virginia law, a homicide is considered justifiable if it is committed in self-defense. The legal standard for self-defense, often referred to as the “Castle Doctrine” when it occurs within one’s home, does not require a person to retreat before using deadly force if they are in their own residence and are not the initial aggressor.

To be deemed justifiable, the person who used deadly force must have had a reasonable fear of imminent death or great bodily harm to themselves or others. In this case, the alleged actions of Eddie Hairston III—physically assaulting the woman, brandishing a firearm, and making a direct threat to her life—would appear to meet that legal standard.

The investigation will now be turned over to the Chesterfield County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors there will review the entire case file, including all forensic evidence, witness statements, and the final report from police detectives. They will then make the final determination as to whether the homicide was legally justified and whether any criminal charges should be filed. If they concur with the police’s initial assessment, the case will be closed, and no charges will be brought against the female shooter.

The Human Element: A Life Lost and a Life Altered

While the legal process moves forward, two families are left to grapple with a profound tragedy.

Eddie Hairston III, at 38 years old, is being mourned by his family and friends. Regardless of the circumstances of his death, his loss is a source of deep grief for those who knew and loved him. His story is a tragic example of how domestic violence can escalate to a fatal conclusion, leaving a wake of devastation.

The female shooter, while she survived the encounter, now has to carry the immense psychological weight of having taken a human life, even in self-defense. Survivors of such traumatic events often face a long and difficult road to emotional and mental recovery. They are simultaneously victims of a violent assault and the cause of their abuser’s death, a complex and heavy burden to bear. The community’s support and access to trauma-informed care will be crucial for her healing process.

A Tragic Reminder: The Dangers of Domestic Violence

This incident serves as a stark and tragic reminder of the lethal potential of domestic violence, particularly when firearms are involved. The presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500 percent, according to national studies.

Authorities and domestic violence advocates are using this tragedy to remind the public that help is available for those who are in abusive relationships. Leaving an abuser can be the most dangerous time for a victim, and having a safety plan is critical.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please reach out for help. Confidential support is available 24/7:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-798-SAFE (7233) or visit TheHotline.org.
• The Virginia Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-838-8238.
• Chesterfield County Domestic and Sexual Violence Resource Center: (804) 24-HOUR (804-244-6871).

The Chesterfield County Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this shooting. They are asking anyone with information to contact the department at 804-748-1251, or to provide tips anonymously through Crime Solvers at 804-748-0660 or via the P3 app.