Three people died last month in a shooting at the Harris Teeter in Crozet including the gunman. For more background, take a look at this story.
On March 7, 2025, the Albemarle County Police Department provided more details including a timeline of events for both the February 17 incident as well as authorities’ prior interactions with the shooter, Justin M. Barbour.
“Through the course of the investigation, detectives have determined that Barbour had no prior affiliation to either victim or the location where the shooting occurred,” reads an information release sent out at 3:55 p.m. “Investigators have also retraced Barbour’s whereabouts immediately prior to the incident and determined that Barbour left his residence at The Vue apartment community at approximately 1:22 pm on February 17.”
According to the narrative, Barbour arrived at the Harris Teeter parking lot at 1:33:51 p.m. and fired his first shot 39 seconds later. Both victims were struck at 1:34:34 p.m.
An off-duty federal law-enforcement officer shot Barbour ten seconds later. The 911 call was made at 1:35:52 and police arrived at 1:41 p.m.
The release also states that Barbour’s family made a “mental health-related call” in December 2024 and the officer who responded told the family of the Emergency Custody Order requirements and process. A month later, the Human Services Alternative Response Team responded to another call at Barbour’s residence.
“During these interactions with law enforcement, Barbour presented a calm demeanor,” the release continues. “There was no indication or evidence of violence, threats, or self-harm reported to police, which are the standard threshold to obtain an ECO or Emergency Substantial Risk Order (ESRO).”
The release concludes with a series of resources which I publish verbatim:
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Community members seeking support resources are encouraged to reach out to the following agencies that are offering guidance to support those in need:
- Virginia Community Response Network – up to 5 free sessions (virtually or in-person) for those who may be experiencing stress as a result of this event by visiting vcrn.org/crozet
- Region Ten Community Services Board at regionten.org or 434-972-1800
- NAMI Blue Ridge at namiblueridgecharlottesville.org or 434-260-8127
- The American Academy of Pediatrics – resources for how to talk to children about tragedies and traumatic events at https://bit.ly/3GpXZJj
“This was a senseless act of violence that has deeply impacted our community,” the release quotes Police Chief Sean Reeves. “In difficult moments like this, we must come together to support one another. I encourage anyone struggling in the aftermath of this tragedy to seek support and lean on the resources available.”
Before you go: This story was first sent out in the March 6, 2025 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement.
Discover more from Information Charlottesville
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
