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Stafford killing case still open

Investigation into Stafford shooting still lingering

Date published: 7/23/2008

BY KEITH EPPS

Stafford County authorities have still not completed their investigation into last month's fatal shooting of a county resident by a deputy.

David C. Gandy, 48, was killed at his home on Myrtle Lane in south Stafford late June 30.

The Sheriff's Office had been called to the home because Gandy had gotten upset about a family dispute and had threatened to kill himself.

There is a significant difference between the initial police version of the incident and that given by Gandy's family and friends.

According to a police release at the time, four deputies responded to the call for help. They surprised him in his backyard and shot him with a Taser in an attempt to temporarily incapacitate him.

Police said Gandy, who authorities said had been drinking, was not affected by the Taser and "was in the process of raising his handgun" when he was shot and killed.

Gandy's supporters, including a neighbor who was with him at the time, claim Gandy never threatened deputies with the gun and said he was shot from behind for no good reason.

They said Gandy had calmed down by the time deputies arrived.

Stafford authorities have declined to respond to the family's allegations, saying they would reserve further comment until the investigation is complete.

Sheriff Charles Jett said yesterday that his office has turned all of its findings over to Commonwealth's Attorney Dan Chichester.

Chichester said he was awaiting a final autopsy report that will include a toxicology report before making a release.

"In a case like this, you've got to have all the information before you make a decision," Chichester said.

Gandy's son, Matt Gandy, said yesterday that the family hasn't heard a word. He said that they hadn't even been able to get back his father's personal items, including his wallet and a cell phone.

Gandy said the family is troubled that the Sheriff's Office is conducting the investigation instead of an outside agency, "but there's nothing we can do about it."

Keith Epps: 540/374-5404
Email: kepps@freelancestar.com

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Date published: 7/23/2008