Homeowner Shoots Roommate, Mistaking Him As Burglar: Police

Fredericksburg VA

20 December, 2021

12:28 PM

Description

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A man was shot and killed at the Meadows Mobile Home Park in Spotsylvania County on Saturday, authorities announced on Monday. The man's roommate was arrested and charged with murder. The victim was identified as 28-year-old Dequan Calvin Thomas. Thomas's roommate, Terrence Oliver Smith, was charged with second-degree murder after the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office consulted with the Commonwealth's Attorney Office. Spotsylvania County's 911 call center received a report of a shooting around 2 a.m. on Saturday, according to a report from the sheriff's office. The caller reported a shooting in the 6600 block of Wagon Drive at the Meadows Mobile Home Park. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Thomas suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. Though first responders attempted life-saving measures, Thomas died at the scene, police said. While they were on the scene, authorities identified the shooter as a homeowner, Terrence Oliver Smith. Smith told police he thought someone was breaking into his home and he fired several shots through the door. Thomas lived with Smith, police said. After their investigation and a consultation with the Commonwealth's Attorney Office, Smith was arrested. He is charged with second-degree murder, possession of a firearm after being convicted of a felony, possession of a stolen firearm, discharging a firearm from a dwelling causing death, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony. Authorities said Smith had a firearm that was stolen from Stafford County in May 2021. Smith is being held without bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. His next court date is scheduled for Feb. 16, 2022. Have a story idea? Email me at [email protected] with tips, questions, comments, or concerns.