I was there. It wasn't behind, it was in Target. Suicide by a woman. She appeared alive on the stretcher.

Derrick

Medic 432 Reported Traumatic CPR When They Cleared The Incident Scene

I was in the store at the time of the incident.....heard a "pop" nothing alarming till I heard excited voices and a request for someone to call 911!!! The extended legs of a person could be seen on the floor and Target Members were trying to close off the area from viewing. Police were quickly on the scene followed by many more officers and the Fire Dept and EMT's. I left the area so as not to get caught up in the situation.

Where in the store did this take place?

They said back in the book/electronics section of the store. Not 100% on that. She appeared to be alive when they emt's brought her out. The ambulance didn't leave for 5-10 minutes after loading. Not sure if that's good it bad?

Yeah I saw that she appeared alive too - it was in the book section. The police responded very quickly but a child did see it. I spoke to a woman in the parking lot who said she and her daughter who appeared to be about 5 saw the whole thing - the victim shot herself right in front of the girl. Extremely upsetting to know this - for all involved.

Horrific... That poor mother and child!!! What is wrong with people?!?

Karl Hungus, you're the opposite of funny.

A neighbor is reporting she was caught shoplifting and when the police were called, she killed herself with a concealed weapon she had on her at the time. When is suicide ever easier than a shoplifting sentence?

Mr. Hungus' two comments were deleted for being against the terms of use.

Thank you, everyone, for your comments. We are awaiting details from the Fairfax County Police, and I will update the article as soon as we receive them.

She may have been previously caught as a shoplifter, but not today. She entered the store, went directly back to electronics and shot herself. She was alive when she left but has since died.

Store appears closed as of 3:00 PM, entrance blocked off

I cannot imagine the thought process that leads someone to do such a thing in such a public way and in an area so obviously frequented by moms and young kids, especially at that hour. So sad for the woman and her family, but so angry for how she foisted her baggage on those who witnessed what she did this morning.

Thank you for your updating and prompt reporting of this and other incidents of importance.

This is a total human tragedy for all involved. This woman had a family I bet, the EMT"S who gave first assist and the many store employees who may have witnessed the incident or had a part in "the story". We all who were there are part of this sad story. I for one will say a prayer for all who are troubled and can not see a way out, may they find some peace today.

The police have left the scene

Omg I hope the victim recovers from her injuries!

Wow...so sad. She had to have had a lot more going on than just the shoplifting. You don't do something like that just because.

Thank you, everyone, for you care and concern.

This is so sad. At target of all places target were mothers n children are at. I understand times are hard but I don't believe in killing yourself in such a public place is the answer. And my prays go out to the mother Ans child that had to witness such a thing as well to the the family that lost there loves one......

What a selfish person. Especially to do it in front of others and children like that!!! Before anyone comments rudely my first husband killed himself in front of me!!! So I can tell u first hand.

@Chelsea "Target store operator Sarah said management hopes to reopen the store at 7 p.m. Tuesday."

I was there and one of the first people onscene. She was not shoplifting, she came there specifically to end her life, which she accomplished. There were plenty of people around but she didn't draw attention to herself. I saw the little girl and her mother who I don't think saw the act but did see the aftermath which is just as bad. I just wanna thank all who took charge and controlled the scene quickly, including a target manager, a female citizen and the quick action of the police! Their actions hopefully prevented more people from viewing that horrible scene. Thank you!

My daughter and I were on our way there right after it had apparently happened. There were barricades around the parking lot. I've been thanking God all day that I had to change a diaper and answer my friend's phone call which delayed me from being there when it happened!

are the workers getting paid?

Why would the workers need to get paid? I mean of course thier due thier hourly pay....# confused. Anyway, I pray for the family of the victim and ask others to be aware of situations like this. Theres ALWAYS warning signs. Listen to your loved ones; hear thier cry. Dont ignore it.

Two comments have been deleted for being inappropriate. Please be sensitive to the trauma and loss experienced by so many -- family, friends, witnesses, staff, emergency responders and even those for whom this event conveys difficult memories. Thank you.

I don't have a memory of anything like this ever happening here. It is so disturbing and tragic and sad. My heart goes out to everyone touched by this event, especially Angi. I am sorry for your loss and the trauma you have survived.

I went to target about 8 and they were open and I think it was a bad call. They have tarps up blocking the section off to the book movies music section. I just had a creaky feeling as soon as you walked in

Hello Patch.com readers, my thoughts are with all those effected either directly or indirectly by this tragedy. If you need someone to talk to about this event, please call CrisisLink at 703-527-4077. There is a trained crisis counselor ready to answer your call 24/7. Also, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board provides intervention for individuals exposed to emotionally traumatic events, psychiatric crisis, suicide threata or attempts. Reach out to their mobile crisis team at 703-560-0224. Help is available!

Thank you, Susan, for being so conscientious. I have seen other local Patch sites where the editors let inappropriate comments slide time and again.

it is a sad day for her family i mean to lose wife and mother all in the same day is not what any family wants to hear that the lose of a family member it is a hard thing to forget it will stay with the family for the rest of their life

I used to work at that store and it is a wonderful place to work. I hope all the employees who witnessed it and the guests who saw the aftermath are getting counseling to help them through this.

She was my other mother I knew her for 15 years this is not her to do this there is a reason behind that we have not figured out But will soon people please think before you comment on things please

I am very surprised I have not seen this story on the local news channels last night or thid morning. I hope everyone who was in the store, especially the small girl, can move on and get support they will need.

Everybody it was my best friends mother / my mother to me for 16 years. Yes it was traffic the way she did we have not figured anything out as to why she did it this way all she had to was talk to us we could of helped her in many ways

I am a friend of the family. Some People on here are just unbearably rude. This was not a woman who "showed the signs" you seem to think are always so obvious. She was a mom of 2 wonderful children and belover wife. No one will ever know why she chone to end he life and in such a way...have some compassion for the family that is mourning. Pray for the medics and first responders these are not easy situations for us to handle no matter how many we respond to. Pray for the alleged child that was a witness to be able to erase this from her mind and not be scathed...JUST PRAY. DON'T HATE. Don't assume you know based on an experience or news report...everyone handles things differently.

Wow and pray i type better on my phone...my apologies for my spelling...this new screen is tiny.

Do you knwhere they will release the name to the public? Burke is such a tight knit community, I feel like most of us would know her

I doubt it was just the shoplifting that drove her to do this. Usually there is some underlying issue. Suicide is a horrible way to lose someone. I've lost two friends to suicide. I wish her family and friends the best in healing from their loss. If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal please ask for help! People want to help you! Your life is precious and worth living. Don't let your loved ones go through the pain that so many others have. It's okay to ask for help.

Do you know if they will release the name? Burke is such a tight knit community; I feel like lots of people may have known her, but may not be aware that this was her...

We have published an article with Information and resources to help the community cope with and heal from Tuesday's tragic event. Here is the link: http://burke.patch.com/articles/suicide-prevention-and-survivor-healing

I was about 30 feet or so from the incidents, i herd POP but never thought it was a gun shot ,then i saw that poor girl crying and then someone said call 911 ..my gosh I saw the lady in the corner laying on her right side her face was covered with something gray and the blood was near the head ..I saw the police lady trying to see if she still alive but she did not move ..I thought she was dead ,,you will not imagine that horrible feeling to see some one like that . and yes she seemed to be alive when they came out ,but if she still alive why they did not take her right away to the hospital? am just worries about that little girl and how she can get over what she she saw ? we just have to wait for more info ..

I was about 30 feet or so from the incidents, I herd a POP but never thought it was a gun shot , then I saw that poor little girl crying and ,then someone shouting call 911..my gosh I saw the lady in the far end corner laying on her right side her face was covered with something gray and the blood was near the head ..I saw the police lady trying to see if she still alive but she did not move ..I thought she's dead ..you will not imagine that horrible feeling to see someone in that position ! and yes she seemed to be alive when they brought her out , but if she still alive why they did not take her right away to the hospital? am just worries about the little girl who saw the lady shooting herself and how she will get over it? we just have to wait for more info.

@olfa - they probably didnt move her immediately because they needed to stablize her wounds first

I was at Target when this occurred. I am having a very hard time putting closure to this. I would love to know her name so I could have a mass said for her and her family. My thoughts and prayers go out to her precious family, the amazing Target staff that calmly evacuated the building, the EMT's, and especially the little girl who witnessed it. When I hugged her she felt like a shell of a little girl and looked like a ghost. I am just sick for her and pray that she can erase this from her innocent little mind. Thank you everyone for your comments we are all helping each other to get through this!!!!

None of the news stations are covering this story. Channel 9 told me that since this is a suicide they made the decision not to cover he story. It is too taboo. I would like to know exactly what happened.

Burke is a small close knit community, I feel most of us Moms must have known her, know her friends or family, or have met her. I too am one of many who would like to send out prayers, how is it her name is still not released?

Patch will not release the person's name out of respect for the family. (Although in this case we do not even know her name.)

i hope her family know how sorry we are to see that happened to there loved one..i hope her family will except our sympathies and prayers for there loss ..
and GOD help us get through this . I still cant stop thinking about that day , it really makes it harder each day ..

She was my friends mother. We miss her terribly every day.

http://www.fairfaxmemorialfuneralhome.com/_mgxroot/page_10780.php?task=Current&listing=All

Those of you wondering, can check here.

The woman was a very nice caring relative of mine who had the best intentions for everyone in and out of her life I would appreciate if everyone with their assumption will keep them to theirself and not create irrational rumors.