Who killed Edward and Brenda McDaniel? Virginia cops hunt for suspect's car in military couple's murder
FAIRFAX COUNTY, VIRGINIA: A manhunt was launched on Wednesday, May 26, after a military couple was brutally murdered outside their home in Springfield, Virginia, police said. Fairfax County police revealed how the veterans were shot in cold blood in their front yard, shortly before 9.30 am.
"They did nothing wrong. They were tragically and horribly murdered in their neighborhood," Fairfax County Major Ed O’Carroll said at a press conference later in the day. “This was not a random act of violence, not at all.” O'Carroll identified the victims as 55-year-old Edward McDaniel Jr and 63-year-old Brenda McDaniel, noting that both were military physicians.
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Who killed the couple?
At the time of writing, authorities were yet to identify the suspect(s) who killed the couple. They are currently searching for a 2018 light-colored Nissan Altima with Maryland plate number 1EF1479. "We still need to identify this killer, we need to get him off the streets," Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said. "We think he's likely still local.… The car may be parked in your neighborhood right now."
Police were yet to identify a motive for the shooting. "There's a lot of questions that we still have," O'Carroll added. "The key is the car, but ultimately the key is the shooter or a second person." Davis had said earlier in the day that investigators believed the "shooter or shooters" were known to a relative of the two victims. While he didn't name that relative, a $10,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.
Police said at least one other family member was present inside the McDaniels' residence at the time of the shooting, which they believe was directly related to an incident at the home earlier this week. Officers reportedly responded to a call on Monday, May 24, about a dispute and burglary in progress just two days before the tragedy. “We were out there on Monday. We were actively working an investigation. All the records associated with that case were pulled,” O’Carroll confirmed. “Monday’s response is directly connected to today’s tragedy.”
Who were Brenda and Edward McDaniel?
Both victims of the double murder served in the US military. “A man and a woman, a husband and a wife, two distinguished military veterans, were gunned down in their front yard. Served our community for many years,” Chief Davis said of the couple. “They were shot and killed in cold blood in their own front yard.”
Having served as physicians in the military, Brenda was retired from duty while Edward was still an active-duty colonel, WTOP-TV reported. Brenda wrote on Facebook that she “Worked at Army Nurse Corps” and studied Doctor of Nursing Practice at Walden University and the University of Phoenix. She eventually obtained a master’s degree from Central Michigan University.
The couple reportedly shared a joint Facebook account called “Ed and Brenda McDaniel”. Those who knew the couple showered praise on them, with some labeling them a "power couple". Neighbors told WUSA9 how the family kept to themselves and would often be spotted walking their dog.
The tragic killings marked the ninth and 10th homicides in Fairfax County this year, which is a relatively quiet neighborhood. "It's nine and 10 too many," O'Carroll commented. Springfield is located about 14 miles southwest of Washington, DC.