The defendant faces sentencing after admitting to killing her 90-year-old father and using a firearm in the 2025 incident.
By Marcus Webb | The Commonwealth Wire
A Virginia Beach woman entered a guilty plea to second-degree murder and use of a firearm in commission of a felony in connection with the shooting death of her 90-year-old father earlier this year.
The defendant appeared in Virginia Beach Circuit Court where she formally admitted to the charges stemming from the 2025 incident that resulted in her father’s death. The case represents one of several domestic violence-related homicides that have occurred in the Hampton Roads region this year.
Second-degree murder in Virginia carries a penalty of five to 40 years in prison, while the firearm charge adds a mandatory minimum of three years to any sentence. The combined charges could result in a significant prison term when sentencing occurs.
Virginia Beach Police Department investigators worked the case following the initial report of the shooting. The department has not released specific details about the circumstances that led to the deadly encounter between the woman and her elderly father.
The guilty plea eliminates the need for a jury trial, which would have required prosecutors to present evidence about the events leading up to the shooting. Defense attorneys and prosecutors likely negotiated the plea agreement as part of standard court procedures in Virginia Beach Circuit Court.
Family violence cases involving elderly victims have drawn increased attention from law enforcement agencies across Virginia in recent years. The Virginia Department of Social Services reports that financial stress, caregiver burden, and mental health issues often contribute to such incidents.
Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will present sentencing recommendations to the judge, who will make the final determination on punishment. The defendant remains in custody pending the sentencing hearing, which has not yet been scheduled.
The case adds to crime statistics for Virginia Beach, a city of approximately 459,000 residents that typically sees lower homicide rates compared to other major Virginia municipalities. The Virginia Beach Police Department investigates all homicide cases in coordination with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Court records indicate the woman had no prior felony convictions, which may factor into the judge’s sentencing decision. Virginia’s sentencing guidelines consider criminal history, the nature of the offense, and other circumstances when determining appropriate punishment.
The victim’s age and the family relationship between the defendant and victim will likely influence the final sentence. Virginia courts have historically treated crimes against elderly victims and domestic violence cases as aggravating factors during sentencing proceedings.
Key Facts
- Virginia Beach woman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and firearm use in her 90-year-old father’s shooting death
- Second-degree murder carries 5-40 years in prison, with mandatory 3-year minimum for firearm charge
- Incident occurred in 2025 in Virginia Beach, eliminating need for jury trial
- Sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled in Virginia Beach Circuit Court
