A heartbreaking end to the year.
Our top story of 2011 happened just a few weeks ago: December 8th.
Flashbacks of the April 16th mass shootings on Virginia Tech's campus ran through people's minds, as once again police hunted down a killer on campus.
In the end two people died; including a campus police officer.
It's all still so confusing.
Virginia Tech police officer Deriek Crouse, gunned down in broad daylight in the middle of a crowded campus parking lot.
"The Virginia Tech police department is a very special group to those of us in the university community. And so our heart goes out to them," said Virginia Tech spokesperson Larry Hincker.
Shortly after getting the call that Crouse had been shot, another body was found in parking lot about a quarter mile away. Not knowing at the time that it was the killer, Ross Ashely, a four hour hunt ensued for the gunman.
"The male subject found in the back parking lot in the cage had on a different head gear and top at that point," said state police spokesperson Corrine Geller.
The Virginia Tech community was left in shock.
"I looked at the faces of young officers and I saw looks of disbelief and despair a look of innocence lost, it broke my heart and made my cry," said Virginia Tech Police Department Chief Wendell Flinchum.
But the community rallied behind the police force and the large family Deriek Crouse left behind.
A vigil was held for Crouse on the drillfield.
And officers from around the country attended his funeral.
"I am proud to say I knew Deriek Crouse and that he was my friend. He will truly be missed and never forgotten, we all love you Deriek and thank you for your sacrifice," Sergeant Tom Gallemore of the Virginia Tech Police Department.
Our top story of 2011 happened just a few weeks ago: December 8th.
Flashbacks of the April 16th mass shootings on Virginia Tech's campus ran through people's minds, as once again police hunted down a killer on campus.
In the end two people died; including a campus police officer.
It's all still so confusing.
Virginia Tech police officer Deriek Crouse, gunned down in broad daylight in the middle of a crowded campus parking lot.
"The Virginia Tech police department is a very special group to those of us in the university community. And so our heart goes out to them," said Virginia Tech spokesperson Larry Hincker.
Shortly after getting the call that Crouse had been shot, another body was found in parking lot about a quarter mile away. Not knowing at the time that it was the killer, Ross Ashely, a four hour hunt ensued for the gunman.
"The male subject found in the back parking lot in the cage had on a different head gear and top at that point," said state police spokesperson Corrine Geller.
The Virginia Tech community was left in shock.
"I looked at the faces of young officers and I saw looks of disbelief and despair a look of innocence lost, it broke my heart and made my cry," said Virginia Tech Police Department Chief Wendell Flinchum.
But the community rallied behind the police force and the large family Deriek Crouse left behind.
A vigil was held for Crouse on the drillfield.
And officers from around the country attended his funeral.
"I am proud to say I knew Deriek Crouse and that he was my friend. He will truly be missed and never forgotten, we all love you Deriek and thank you for your sacrifice," Sergeant Tom Gallemore of the Virginia Tech Police Department.
