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Public Safety, Virginia

Botetourt County: Man who killed father shot, killed in standoff with deputies

Chris Graham
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A Botetourt County man who called 911 to report that he had just killed his father was shot and killed after a standoff with sheriff’s deputies on Wednesday morning.

The incident unfolded at 7 a.m. as the deputies responded to a residence on High Ridge Circle in the Laymantown area following a 911 call from a male who stated he had just killed his father.

According to a report from the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office, the deputies encountered an armed male outside the residence, and began negotiating with the individual to de-escalate the situation and encourage a peaceful surrender. A trained crisis negotiator engaged with the male, but communication was ultimately severed when the subject disconnected.

As the deputies approached, the suspect raised a firearm, pointing it in the direction of officers. In response to the immediate threat, deputies discharged their firearms, striking the subject.

Emergency medical personnel responded to the scene and rendered aid. The armed male was pronounced deceased on scene.

Deputies also located a deceased male inside the residence.

The deceased male inside the home has been identified as Hugh Gerard McCaul, 58, of Troutville.

The male suspect outside the residence has been identified as Liam Gerald McCaul, 23, of Nashville.

The scene has been secured, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

At the request of Botetourt County Sheriff Matt Ward, Virginia State Police will conduct an independent investigation into the shooting.

No deputies were injured. The deputies involved have been placed on administrative leave by Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office in accordance with their policy.

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham, the king of "fringe media," a zero-time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, and a member of zero Halls of Fame, is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].