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
On the afternoon of February 17, 2025, a tragic shooting took place in the parking lot of the Harris Teeter store in Crozet, Virginia, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and critical injuries to a third. The incident prompted a swift response from the Albemarle County Police Department and the community, culminating in the arrest of the suspect, Justin M. Barbour.
According to the preliminary investigation, the shooter, later identified as 28-year-old Justin M. Barbour of Crozet, entered the parking lot of Harris Teeter and immediately opened fire with a rifle. The first victim, 43-year-old Peter L. Martin of Crozet, was exiting the store when he was shot. Tragically, Martin was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the initial shooting, Barbour approached another individual, 68-year-old Diane G. Spangler of Afton, Virginia, who was sitting in her vehicle in the parking lot. Barbour fired on Spangler, critically wounding her. She was rushed to the University of Virginia (UVA) Medical Center for treatment but succumbed to her injuries later that day.
An off-duty federal law enforcement officer, who was present in the area, heard the gunfire and acted quickly to engage the shooter. The officer, who was not injured in the exchange, used their personal weapon to confront Barbour, ultimately neutralizing the threat. Barbour was pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds sustained during the confrontation with the off-duty officer.
In the aftermath of the incident, Colonel Sean Reeves, Chief of the Albemarle County Police Department, expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and praised the actions of the off-duty officer. He stated, “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… 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.”
Authorities confirmed that Barbour did not have a prior criminal record but had interacted with law enforcement on several occasions, with the most recent incident occurring in January 2025. At this time, investigators have not determined if Barbour had any connection to the victims, Martin and Spangler, before the shooting. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.
In light of the tragic events, the Albemarle County Police Department has requested the public’s help in gathering further information. Investigators are urging anyone who was in the vicinity of the Harris Teeter at the time of the shooting and has not yet spoken to authorities to come forward. Detective Holmes can be reached at 434-296-5807, or anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at 434-977-4000. Even the smallest detail may assist in the ongoing investigation.
This shooting has left the Crozet community shaken, and law enforcement officials are continuing to search for answers. As the investigation unfolds, the police remain committed to understanding the motives behind this senseless act of violence and ensuring justice for the victims and their families.