Statement of the Governor on Blacksburg Unfolding Tragedy

STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNOR

~ On the death of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Cpl. Eric Sutphin ~

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement today on the shooting death of Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department Corporal Eric E. Sutphin, killed by an escaped inmate also suspected in the fatal shooting of a security guard at Montgomery County Regional Hospital this weekend.

“Corporal Eric Sutphin exemplified the highest traditions of law enforcement, and his 13-years of service with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department saw countless acts of courage and bravery.

“In 2003, Deputy Sutphin was recognized for his extraordinary bravery in pursuing and capturing the killer of a fellow police officer, despite being struck twice himself by the assailant’s bullets. For that act of heroism, he was awarded the Governor's Medal of Valor.

“Today, I extend the heartfelt condolences of an appreciative Commonwealth to Deputy Sutphin’s wife and daughters, his extended family, friends, and fellow officers.

“I also want to extend my condolences to the family of Montgomery County Regional Hospital security guard Derrick McFarland, fatally shot Sunday by the jail inmate who remains at large.

“We have deployed considerable Virginia State Police resources to the region in the ongoing manhunt for suspect William Morva. We are working with Virginia Tech President Charles Steger, Montgomery County Sheriff Tommy Whitt, and other law enforcement officials to provide whatever resources and assistances might be needed.

“I want to reassure the parents of Virginia Tech students that state, local, and campus law enforcement officers have taken extraordinary action to minimize the danger to students. I also want to assure Virginians that we are doing everything we can to ensure this suspect is apprehended and brought to justice.”