Sheriff’s deputies cleared in shooting death of area man

By Uriah A. Kiser

Published: August 28, 2008

Four Stafford County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been cleared of any wrongdoing in the shooting death of a Falmouth man.

A letter signed by Stafford sheriff Charles Jett states that the department has completed its investigation into the June 29 shooting death of David Gandy, 49, of 14 Myrtle Lane. The review found that the four deputies involved in the incident followed proper procedure when a deputy shot Gandy in his back yard.

“Our investigation uncovered no action, by the deputies involved that failed to conform to the policy of this office. We, therefore, have determined that the deputies acted within the scope of their duties and policy of the sheriff’s office,” said Sheriff Charles Jett in a signed letter to the family.

The sheriff’s department today would not immediately comment on the letter or the closed investigation, but said a statement from the department could be expected at anytime.

The sheriff’s department revealed earlier this month that two of the four deputies involved with the shooting had been put on modified duty. There is no word if the two deputies have now been returned to regular duty.

Police were called to Gandy’s home June 29 after reports were made that he had a gun and was threatening his life. When police arrived Gandy reportedly ignored commands to raise his hands in the air and drop his weapon. Police said they fired two Taser weapons that were ineffective. Police then shot and killed him.

Witnesses there at the time of the shooting said police stormed the back yard patio where Gandy was seated. They say as soon as police entered Gandy ran less than six yards to the back door of his home, prompting police to fire. Witnesses said they heard three shots fired at close range, killing Gandy instantly.

Police said Gandy pointed his gun at them, however accounts from witnesses said the entire incident happened so fast, Gandy’s gun was concealed and was never visible to police.

Police say Gandy had been drinking the night of the shooting. Gandy’s family said they are awaiting a copy of his autopsy report and toxicology report from the state, which will detail how much alcohol Gandy had in his system at the time of the shooting.

Gandy is survived by his wife and two sons, ages 24 and 26.

Uriah A. Kiser is a staff reporter at Media General’s Stafford County Sun.