Sen. Creigh Deeds now in fair condition after stabbing

BATH, VA (WWBT) - Virginia State Senator and former gubernatorial-hopeful Creigh Deeds is now listed in fair condition at the University of Virginia Medical Center after reportedly being stabbed by his son, who then shot and killed himself.

Virginia State Police confirmed Sen. Deeds was stabbed multiple times to his head and chest and that his son, Austin "Gus" Deeds, was found dead from a gunshot wound at the Bath County home Tuesday morning. Sources told NBC Washington it was Gus Deeds who stabbed his father before shooting and killing himself. State Police now say they are leaning in that direction.

Sen. Deeds then walked down the hill from his home to Route 42, where he was spotted and picked up by a cousin who was driving by. They drove to the cousin's house where the 911 call was placed to the sheriff's office, according to State Police.

Deeds was flown by helicopter to University of Virginia Medical Center with serious injuries Tuesday morning, according to State Police.

Virginia State Police are still working to figure out the motive and the sequence of events. Sen. Deeds was able to give investigators some statements.

WATCH the State Police update on the investigation: http://bit.ly/1h0TNOv

Sen. Deeds has served in the state legislature for more than 20 years. He was elected to the House of Delegates in 1991, where he served until 2001 when he was elected to the State Senate.

Sen. Deeds was the Democratic nominee for governor in 2009, but lost to Bob McDonnell. He previously lost by less than 400 of votes to McDonnell in the 2005 Attorney General's race.

Gus had just withdrawn from William and Mary last month, according to the university. He was not currently enrolled, however had attended off and on since graduating from Bath County High School in 2007. The university called him a music major with a "strong academic record." Gus was charged with underage possession of alcohol in 2009, but the charge was later dismissed.

"William & Mary is very saddened to hear this tragic news. Gus Deeds was a member of the William & Mary community. Our hearts go out to the entire Deeds family," the university wrote in a statement.

Politicians began expressing their thoughts and concerns about the situation as the news broke Tuesday morning.

"In this tough and sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Deeds family. The news from this morning is utterly heartbreaking. Creigh Deeds is an exceptional and committed public servant who has always done what he believes is best for Virginia and who gives his all to public service. He cares deeply about Virginia, and the people of Virginia care deeply for him" wrote Gov. Bob McDonnell. "I urge all Virginians today to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Creigh and for many more years of his public service to the Commonwealth. At this moment, our state unites in prayer for Creigh Deeds and his family."

"Dorothy and I are praying for Senator Creigh Deeds and his family in the wake of this awful tragedy. This is a truly sad day for Virginia and for the many people who know Creigh as the fine public servant and friend he is," wrote Governor-elect Terry McAuliffe, who lost the Democratic gubernatorial nomination to Deeds in 2009. "We join people across the Commonwealth and country in wishing him a full recovery."

"I'm praying for my friend Creigh right now. This is a senseless act of violence against a good and gentle man," wrote Richmond Mayor Dwight Jones. "As law enforcement's investigation unfolds, let's all keep Creigh and his family in our prayers."

"Stunning news from Bath County. I am praying for @CreighDeeds and his family at this very, very difficult time," Sen. Mark Warner wrote on Twitter.

"My thoughts and prayers are with @CreighDeeds and his family today," wrote Rep. Bobby Scott on Twitter.

"Our thoughts are with Senator Deeds and his family during this very difficult and trying time,"wrote Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Charniele Herring. "As details emerge, please join with us in sending prayers to strengthen and uplift the Deeds family and all those affected by this terrible tragedy."

The investigation remains ongoing at this time by the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Salem Field Office.

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