A 23-year-old woman, Alyssa Jane Venable, was arrested in New York after a high-speed car chase. She was accused of killing her three roommates in Virginia. The victims, Robert John McGuire, 77, Gregory Scott Powell, 60, and Carol Anne Reese, 65, were found dead in their home in Fredericksburg.
Venable was taken into custody by the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office after a chase on I-86 in Steuben County. It is not clear how she killed her roommates or what her motive was. She has been charged with three counts of second-degree murder and using a firearm to commit a felony.
Police spotted Venable driving a gray 2009 Honda Civic, the car she was known to drive, and tried to stop her. She refused to stop and led authorities on a chase reaching speeds of 100 mph. The chase ended when police used a tire deflation device, causing her to crash. Venable was then taken into custody without further incident and taken to a local hospital for treatment.
The investigation is ongoing, and New York State Police are working to obtain a fugitive warrant for Venable. Arrangements for her extradition will be made soon.
Venable’s grandmother, Jane Venable, expressed concern for her granddaughter’s safety, saying she may be in danger from herself or others. Alyssa had a history of violent outbursts, according to police and a former coworker. She had been charged with assault and battery last month over an altercation at a McDonald’s where she worked.
Neighbors said Venable had moved into the home about a month ago, but it is unclear if she was related to the victims.