Three people dead after shooting in Crozet parking lot

The Albemarle County Police Department has released more information on a shooting incident that left three dead on the afternoon of February 17.

“Our staff has worked diligently since yesterday afternoon to analyze surveillance footage, speak with eyewitnesses and collect forensic evidence at the scene,” said Captain Darrell Byers at a press conference Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement released at 1:08 p.m. today, police report that 28-year-old Justin Barbour of Crozet shot an AR-15 rifle at the front door of the Harris Teeter grocery store as 43-year-old Peter Martin was leaving. Martin was killed.

Barbour then allegedly approached 68-year-old Diane Spangler of Afton and shot her while she was in her car. Spangler was transported to the UVA Medical Center and later died from her wounds.

“An off-duty federal law enforcement officer who heard the gunfire and was exiting the Harris Teeter engaged the shooter with their personal weapon,” reads the information release.

This person, who was not injured and has not been identified, shot and killed Barbour. Barbour had no criminal history but did have a recent encounter with law enforcement. Police are investigating if Barbour specifically targeted his victims.

“We owe an immense debt of gratitude to an off-duty Federal Law Enforcement Professional who happened to be at the shopping center when the shooting occurred,” the release quotes Albemarle Police Chief Sean Reeves. “This heroic individual selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way to stop the gunman and prevent further loss of life. Without their brave actions, the casualty count could have been much higher.”

During the press conference, Chief Reeves refused to name the assailant though it was provided in the announcement. The name of the off-duty officer was not revealed publicly nor the agency for which they work. Reeves said the person will not be charged.

The investigation will continue to try to establish any potential motive.

“We ask that anyone who was in the area of Harris Teeter at the time of the shooting and has not yet spoken with an investigator to please contact Detective Holmes at 296-5807 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000,” Byers said. “Even the smallest details may be helpful in our investigation.”

You can watch the press conference on the Albemarle County Police Department Facebook page.

Before you go: This post and all of the others are intended to increase awareness about the role local government plays in American democracy, especially in and around Charlottesville. This was originally sent out in the February 17, 2025 edition of the Charlottesville Community Engagement newsletter. If you would like to support the work, you can buy a paid subscription or support through Patreon.