Virginia state Sen. Creigh Deeds stabbed by son report

Virginia State Senator Creigh Deeds' condition improved from critical to fair Tuesday afternoon after he was stabbed in the head and chest by his son Austin (Gus) Deeds Tuesday morning at his home in Bath County.

After allegedly attacking his father the 24 year old reportedly shot himself. He died from an apparent self inflicted gunshot wound. Police confirmed that early indications are that Gus Deeds attacked his father before shooting himself Virginia State Police spokeswoman Corrine Geller said.

Law enforcement sources are investigating what led to the violence. Just a day earlier Gus Deeds had been evaluated under an emergency custody order for mental health issues Dennis Cropper executive director of the Rockbridge County Community Services Board told the Richmond Times Dispatch.

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Steve Helber/AP Police say state Sen. Creigh Deeds (D Bath County) was found stabbed at his home. His son Gus is reportedly dead from a gunshot wound.

Health officials said that no psychiatric bed was available for Deeds and so he was released.

Police were called to Deeds' home at 7 25 a.m. Gus and Creigh were the only people at the Deeds family home at the time of the violence.

Reports indicate that Creigh Deeds managed to flee his home by foot and was picked up by a cousin.

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Win McNamee/Getty Images Creigh Deeds ran as a Democrat against Bob McConnell for governor in 2009. The Republican Governor issued a statement Tuesday calling the incident utterly heartbreaking.

The 55 year old local politician is being treated at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville Va. Police say he endured stab wounds to his head and upper torso.

Gus Deeds was said to be conscious when police arrived at the scene but died soon after.

Deeds a Democrat previously ran for attorney general of Virginia in 2005 and governor of Virginia in 2009.

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Win McNamee/Getty Images Creigh Deeds hugs his son Gus after addressing supporters gathered on election night November 3 2009.

In 2009 when Deeds was running against Republican Bob McDonnell Gus Deeds and his sister Amanda helped out with their dad's campaign and were among Deeds' entourage when he visited college campuses across the state to drum up support among the youth vote.

According to a family profile at the time of the race Gus was listed as a 20 year old junior at William Mary. The Washington Post reported Gus took a semester off school to help with his dad's campaign.

That same year Gus was busted in May 2009 for underage drinking according to The Virginian Pilot.

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Win McNamee/Getty Images When Deeds ran against Republican Bob McDonnell in 2009 Gus and his sister Amanda helped out with their dad's campaign.

A father of four Deeds has served as a Virginia state senator since 2001.

Deeds' former opponent current Republican Gov. McDonnell issued a statement Tuesday calling the incident utterly heartbreaking.

Creigh Deeds is an exceptional and committed public servant who has always done what he believes is best for Virginia and who gives his all to public service. He cares deeply about Virginia and the people of Virginia care deeply for him.

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I urge all Virginians today to join me in praying for a full and complete recovery for Creigh and for many more years of his public service to the commonwealth. At this moment our state unites in prayer for Creigh Deeds and his family the statement said.

Governor elect Terry McAuliffe who ran unsuccessfully against Deeds in the 2009 Democratic gubernatorial primary said he was praying for Deeds in the wake of this awful tragedy.

Virginia Sen. Mark Warner a Democrat also expressed his shock tweeting Stunning news from Bath County. I am praying for Creigh Deeds and his family at this very very difficult time.

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