Crime & Safety

Two Teens Charged in Shooting Death

The 15 and 17-year-olds allegedly killed an 18-year-old during an altercation.

Two juveniles have been charged in a Saturday afternoon shooting death in Spotsylvania County.

Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s deputies responded at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 7 to a shooting call in the 100 block of Mansfield St.  Deputies discovered the victim, Jason Syrkes, 18, lying in the tree line, behind one of the residences, said Capt. Jeff Pearce, sheriff's office spokesperson. "Mr. Syrkes was deceased and appeared to have suffered a gunshot wound," Pearce said. 

Detectives later detained two juvenile male subjects for questioning.  The juveniles, ages 15 and 17, were later charged with the killing of Syrkes, Pearce said. 

The incident appeared to stem from an altercation between the suspects and Mr. Syrkes, detectives said.  The firearm allegedly used in the shooting was later recovered.  It was forwarded to the crime lab for ballistic comparison. 

"The two suspects have been charged with one count each of murder in the 1st degree, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and multiple counts of breaking and entering, due to admissions made by the suspects and items recovered," Pearce said. 

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The suspects are cooperating with detectives. Additional charges may be forthcoming, Pearce said.   

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