5 Shocking Details Behind The Latest Shootings In Chantilly, VA (December 2025 Update)

The quiet suburb of Chantilly, Virginia, part of the larger Fairfax County area, has been the scene of several high-profile and deeply unsettling shooting incidents throughout 2025, shocking the local community. As of December 15, 2025, the most significant cases involve a tragic domestic murder and a dramatic officer-involved shooting during a traffic stop, both of which have seen major legal and investigative developments this year. These events have prompted renewed discussions about community safety, domestic violence, and the dangerous realities faced by law enforcement officers in the area.

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) has been central to the investigations, providing updates on arrests, charges, and the use of force in these complex situations. The following report details the most critical and recent shooting incidents in Chantilly, VA, providing the latest facts, legal outcomes, and community impact.

The Tragic Domestic Shooting on Pennypacker Lane (February 2025)

One of the most heart-wrenching incidents of 2025 involved a fatal domestic shooting in a quiet residential area of Chantilly. The case stands as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic conflict, even among long-time residents.

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Victim and Suspect Biography: Douglas and Marilyn Sommer

• Victim: Marilyn Sommer, 87 years old.
• Suspect/Defendant: Douglas Sommer, 88 years old, a retired Navy Captain.
• Incident Date: February 28, 2025.
• Location: The couple's home in the 13000 block of Pennypacker Lane, Chantilly, VA, near Greenbriar East Elementary School.
• Motive (Reported): Disagreement over moving into an assisted-living facility.
• Charges: Initially charged with second-degree murder.
• Current Status: Pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in October 2025.
• Sentencing Date: Scheduled for July 9, 2026.

1. The Fatal Argument Over Assisted Living

The incident occurred on February 28, 2025, when FCPD officers were called to the Pennypacker Lane residence shortly after 6 a.m. for a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found 87-year-old Marilyn Sommer with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s husband, 88-year-old Douglas Sommer, was immediately taken into custody. Court documents later revealed that Mr. Sommer shot his wife five times at close range with a .32 caliber pistol while she was sleeping in a recliner chair. The couple's daughter, who was inside the house at the time to help them prepare for a move, was unharmed and called 911. The daughter later told police that her father did not want to move to the assisted-living facility, suggesting the disagreement was the catalyst for the tragic event.

2. Douglas Sommer’s Plea and Upcoming Sentencing

In a major development in the case, Douglas Sommer, an 89-year-old retired Navy Captain, pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and unlawful discharge of a firearm on October 20, 2025. This plea agreement saw prosecutors dismiss the initial murder and firearm charges. Voluntary manslaughter is a Class 5 felony in Virginia, carrying a potential sentence of one to ten years in prison. Sommer's sentencing hearing is currently scheduled for July 9, 2026, where the Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney, Steve Descano, will seek justice for Marilyn Sommer’s family.

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The Officer-Involved Shooting Near Greenbriar Town Center (April 2025)

Another highly publicized event was the officer-involved shooting that resulted from a routine traffic stop, highlighting the sudden and extreme danger police officers face daily in the line of duty.

3. A Routine Stop Escalates to a Gunfight

On April 23, 2025, two Fairfax County police officers were shot and wounded during a traffic stop near the Greenbriar Town Center, a popular shopping destination in Chantilly. The incident began around 3 p.m. when an officer conducting traffic enforcement was pulled over abruptly by the suspect’s car. When the officer approached the vehicle, the 36-year-old male suspect allegedly refused to identify himself or provide registration and told the officer he was armed.

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis reported that body camera footage showed the man pulling a semi-automatic pistol from his holster and immediately opening fire on the two officers standing by the driver’s side door. The officers, who were trying to prevent the man from drawing his weapon, were shot in the arms but did not discharge their own firearms.

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4. The Third Officer’s Heroic Intervention

The situation was neutralized by a third uniformed FCPD officer, who was on patrol in the Fair Oaks district and witnessed the shooting from the opposite side of the car. This officer immediately returned fire, striking the suspect. The suspect was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police Chief Davis credited the third officer’s swift and brave action with saving the lives of his colleagues.

Both injured officers, seasoned employees with 18 and 19 years of service, were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and are expected to recover fully. Following the incident, Fairfax County police closed Majestic Lane between Lee Jackson Highway and Meadow Hill Lane to conduct a thorough investigation. Authorities noted that the suspect was acting "bizarre," and a toxicology report was ordered to determine if drugs or alcohol were a factor.

5. The Context of Other Recent Fairfax County Incidents

While the 2025 shootings are the most recent, they are not isolated events in the broader Fairfax County area. The FCPD has dealt with other high-stress situations, including officer-involved shootings, that have shaped departmental policy and public scrutiny.

• The 2022 Robert Jablonski Case: In January 2022, a man named Robert Jablonski was shot by an FCPD officer after he emerged from his home on Briarton Drive and pointed a loaded compound bow and arrow at officers who were attempting to serve an emergency custody order. Jablonski survived and was charged with multiple counts of felony assault against a law enforcement officer and attempted aggravated murder.
• Use of Force Justified: In May 2023, the Fairfax County Police Auditor released a report confirming that the officer's use of deadly force in the Jablonski case was lawful and justified, as the officers reasonably believed they were in danger. This case, like the April 2025 traffic stop, underscores the FCPD's commitment to rigorous review and transparency in the use of force.

The recent events in Chantilly, VA, serve as a sobering reminder of the diverse challenges facing the community, from tragic domestic disputes to volatile encounters on the road. The ongoing legal proceedings, particularly the sentencing of Douglas Sommer in 2026, will continue to keep the spotlight on these incidents, as the community works to process the impact of these violent acts.