On the afternoon of Monday, February 17, 2025, a tragic shooting took place at the Harris Teeter in Crozet, Virginia, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and leaving a third critically injured. The Albemarle County Police Department has confirmed that the incident occurred in the parking lot of the grocery store, where a suspect opened fire on unsuspecting victims. The events unfolded in a shocking and senseless act of violence that has left the Crozet community shaken and searching for answers.
According to police reports, the shooter, later identified as 28-year-old Justin M. Barbour of Crozet, entered the Harris Teeter parking lot and immediately began firing a rifle at the first victim, 43-year-old Peter L. Martin, who had just exited the store. Martin, a resident of Crozet, was tragically struck by gunfire and was pronounced dead at the scene. This devastating act marked the beginning of a violent rampage that would claim another life and leave a third person fighting for survival.
After shooting Martin, Barbour approached a second victim, 68-year-old Diane G. Spangler, who was seated in her vehicle. Spangler, a resident of Afton, Virginia, was critically injured in the attack and was quickly transported to UVA Medical Center for treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Spangler ultimately succumbed to her injuries. Her death, just like Martin’s, left family, friends, and the broader community in mourning.
The situation escalated further when an off-duty federal law enforcement officer, who had been shopping at the Harris Teeter, heard the gunfire and rushed toward the scene. Witnessing the shooting unfold, the officer acted heroically, drawing their personal weapon and engaging Barbour. The confrontation between the officer and the shooter resulted in Barbour being fatally wounded. The off-duty officer, who bravely intervened to stop the shooting and prevent further bloodshed, remained unharmed. Police are commending the officer’s actions, noting that without their timely response, the situation could have been even more devastating.
Colonel Sean Reeves, Chief of the Albemarle County Police Department, expressed his condolences for the lives lost and praised the actions of the off-duty law enforcement officer. “Yesterday afternoon, a tragedy struck our community when a lone gunman opened fire in the parking lot of Harris Teeter in Crozet. My heart goes out to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives in this senseless act of violence, as well as to the greater Crozet community,” said Colonel Reeves. “We owe an immense debt of gratitude to an off-duty Federal Law Enforcement Professional who happened to be at the shopping center when the shooting occurred. This heroic individual selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way to stop the gunman and prevent further loss of life. Without their brave actions, the casualty count could have been much higher.”
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, and authorities are working to understand the motivations behind this tragic event. As of now, there is no known connection between Barbour and the victims. Although Barbour did not have a criminal history, he had had prior contact with law enforcement, the most recent of which occurred in January 2025. The details of that interaction are still under investigation, but it remains unclear if there was any relationship between Barbour and the victims prior to the shooting.
Barbour’s lack of a criminal history has led investigators to wonder about the factors that may have led to this violent outburst. Was this a random act of violence, or was there a deeper, yet undiscovered, connection between Barbour and the victims? Authorities are working hard to uncover any possible motives, and they are calling on anyone who may have witnessed the events at the Harris Teeter or has information about Barbour’s background to come forward.
The Albemarle County Police Department is urging anyone who was in the vicinity of the Harris Teeter at the time of the shooting and has not yet spoken with investigators to contact Detective Holmes at 434-296-5807 or Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000. Police are particularly interested in any details that might shed light on Barbour’s movements or state of mind leading up to the incident. Even seemingly small pieces of information could prove crucial in piecing together the full picture of what transpired that day.
As the investigation continues, the community of Crozet is grappling with the shock and grief of such a senseless act of violence. This tight-knit community, which prides itself on its peaceful and welcoming nature, has been rocked by the events that unfolded in the parking lot of their local grocery store. Residents have expressed disbelief that such an incident could happen in their town, where violence of this nature is rare. The loss of Peter Martin and Diane Spangler, both of whom were well-known and well-liked members of the community, has left a palpable sense of sadness and sorrow.
In response to this tragic event, local residents and businesses are rallying together to support the victims’ families, who are now left to cope with the unimaginable pain of losing loved ones in such a violent and traumatic way. Neighbors are coming together to offer condolences, help with arrangements, and provide any support necessary during this difficult time.
The bravery of the off-duty law enforcement officer who intervened and stopped the shooter has been widely praised, and the officer is being recognized as a hero by local authorities and the public. Their quick thinking and selflessness undoubtedly saved lives, and their actions serve as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers and the courage required to protect others, even outside of their official duties.
This tragic incident has left the Crozet community reeling, but it also highlights the importance of coming together during times of crisis. As investigators continue to search for answers, the hope is that justice will be served, and those responsible for the deaths of Peter Martin and Diane Spangler will be held accountable for their actions. In the meantime, the community will continue to mourn the loss of two of their own while supporting each other through this unimaginable tragedy.
For those who wish to pay their respects or learn more about how to support the victims’ families during this difficult time, additional information will be made available as the investigation progresses.
The post 43-year-old Peter Martin and elderly woman ,Diane Spangler identified as two killed in Harris Teeter store shooting in Crozet on Monday; Justin M. Barbour arrest & charges first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
