Woodard McClure Obituary, Death: 90-year-old man fatally shot in Virginia Beach; woman arrested.
Woodard McClure Obituary, Death – A tragic shooting in Virginia Beach has led to the arrest of a woman on charges of first-degree murder. The Virginia Beach Police Department reported that the incident occurred late Wednesday morning, May 7, 2025, in a quiet residential neighborhood. Officers responded to a call about a shooting on the 500 block of Rodney Lane at approximately 11:11 a.m.
When law enforcement arrived at the scene, they discovered the lifeless body of a 90-year-old man inside a garage on the property. The man had suffered a fatal gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. The home and garage became the focal points of the investigation, as police and forensic teams began gathering evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.
The victim was later identified as Woodard McClure, a long-time resident of Virginia Beach. The following day, police arrested 43-year-old Jennifer Mulligan in connection with the shooting. Mulligan has been formally charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, according to official police reports.
Investigators say that based on their preliminary findings, the incident stemmed from a domestic-related conflict. However, the specific nature of the relationship between McClure and Mulligan has not been disclosed. Authorities confirmed that the two individuals knew each other but declined to share additional details, citing the sensitive nature of the ongoing investigation.
The event has sent shockwaves through the neighborhood, which residents describe as peaceful and family-oriented. Longtime resident Wayne Burton, who lives across the street from the scene of the crime, expressed disbelief and sorrow over the shooting. Burton shared that he had known the family for years and always found them to be generous and kind.
“They’re good people, always been kind to me,” Burton said in an interview. “I’ve lived here since 1987, and I’ve never seen anything bad on this street, so it’s just a shame this happened.”
Burton’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among neighbors, many of whom are struggling to come to terms with the violence that occurred in what they consider a safe and supportive community. The quiet suburban atmosphere was disrupted not only by the violent incident but also by the presence of police vehicles, detectives, and crime scene investigators combing the property for clues.
Virginia Beach Police have stated that the investigation remains active. Detectives are working to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting and are expected to interview additional witnesses and examine forensic evidence collected at the scene. It’s unclear whether there were any prior signs of conflict between the victim and the suspect or whether law enforcement had been called to the residence before.
Mulligan remains in custody as she awaits her court appearance. It is not yet known whether she has retained legal representation or entered a plea to the charges against her. Given the nature of the charges, she is likely being held without bond pending further proceedings.
Police have not commented on whether other individuals were present at the time of the shooting or if anyone else was endangered during the incident. The investigation may also explore the history of interactions between Mulligan and McClure to better understand the motive behind the killing.
Cases involving alleged domestic violence that result in homicide are complex and often involve underlying issues such as mental health struggles, family disputes, or unresolved interpersonal conflicts. Authorities often take extra care in these investigations to ensure all facts are accurately gathered before presenting the case to prosecutors.
The community is now mourning the loss of Woodard McClure, whose long life came to a sudden and violent end. Neighbors, friends, and family are expected to pay their respects in the coming days. As the case progresses through the legal system, many are left with questions and sadness over the circumstances that led to such a heartbreaking outcome.
The Virginia Beach Police Department is urging anyone who may have information about the incident or who may have seen anything unusual on Rodney Lane around the time of the shooting to come forward. Community cooperation is often a critical part of bringing justice in complex cases like this one.
In the meantime, the neighborhood where the tragedy took place is left shaken, reflecting on the fragility of life and the unpredictability of violence, even in the most familiar and peaceful of settings.
