Staunton, Virginia – An 18-year-old was killed and another teen critically injured in a Tuesday evening shooting in the Maple Leaf Drive area of Augusta County.
According to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at approximately 7:46 p.m. Tuesday to reports of gunfire in the Staunton area of the county. While deputies were en route, emergency dispatchers determined that two individuals had sustained gunshot wounds.
Deputies, along with personnel from Staunton Augusta Rescue, Augusta County Fire and Rescue, Swoope Fire Department, and Churchville Fire and Rescue, arrived and began life-saving measures.
One victim, a 19-year-old male, was transported by ambulance to a nearby landing zone and airlifted to the University of Virginia Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.
The second victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities identified him as Andrew “AJ” Wayne Mits Jr., 18, of Staunton, a senior at Buffalo Gap High School. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Roanoke.
Investigators said the shooting was an isolated incident allegedly involving the illegal sale of handguns. Numerous firearms were recovered at the scene.
No arrests had been made as of Wednesday, and the investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 245-5333.
The incident has drawn attention within the local school community as students process the loss.
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