Chesapeake, VA — August 7 ,2025 — Shaun M. Boker, a 39-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a woman and injuring two Chesapeake police officers, has died after experiencing a medical emergency shortly after being arrested by law enforcement.
Authorities say Boker was captured around 8:24 a.m. on Thursday, August 7, in Portsmouth, Virginia, following a brief standoff with police. During the encounter, Boker suffered minor self-inflicted lacerations to his arm before being taken into custody.
He was transported to Maryview Hospital in Portsmouth for medical attention. While in the hospital and after receiving treatment, Boker was released to the custody of the Chesapeake Police Department. Shortly thereafter, he experienced a sudden medical emergency and was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Police have not disclosed the exact cause of Boker’s death. The Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the in-custody death, and an autopsy is expected to provide more clarity in the coming days.
Background: Deadly Domestic Violence Incident
Shaun M. Boker was wanted in connection with a domestic violence-related shooting that occurred late Wednesday night, August 6, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Officers from the Chesapeake Police Department responded to a call around 10:30 p.m. regarding a reported domestic assault at an apartment complex.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a female victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite emergency efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her name has not yet been released pending family notification.
As officers worked to secure the area, Boker allegedly opened fire on responding officers, injuring two Chesapeake police officers. The officers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to a nearby hospital, where they remain in stable condition.
Following the shooting, Boker fled the scene, triggering a multi-agency manhunt that extended into neighboring Portsmouth.
Capture and Unexpected Death
The following morning, law enforcement located Boker in Portsmouth. According to the Chesapeake Police Department, a standoff ensued but ended without further gunfire. Boker was taken into custody with superficial injuries to his arm.
While at Maryview Hospital, Boker underwent treatment and was handed over to police custody. However, police said he suddenly experienced a medical emergency and died shortly after.
No cause of death has yet been determined, and it is unclear whether Boker had any preexisting health conditions. Authorities have stressed that the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation will handle the case independently to ensure transparency.
Charges Brought Against Boker Before His Death
Prior to his death, Shaun M. Boker faced multiple serious felony charges, including:
- First-Degree Murder (for the killing of the unidentified female victim)
- Two Counts of Attempted Capital Murder of a Law Enforcement Officer
- Three Counts of Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony
- Discharging a Firearm Within an Occupied Building
These charges stemmed directly from the events that unfolded Wednesday night at the apartment in Chesapeake.
Community Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The shocking events have left the Chesapeake and Portsmouth communities shaken. Local leaders and officials have expressed condolences to the victim’s family and support for the injured officers, whose identities have not yet been made public.
“This tragic chain of events illustrates the dangers our officers face daily,” said a Chesapeake Police spokesperson. “We are committed to getting to the bottom of both the initial crime and the events that led to the suspect’s death in custody.”
Governor Glenn Youngkin has not yet issued a statement, though state officials are monitoring the situation closely.
The identity of the deceased female victim is being withheld pending next-of-kin notification. The injured officers are expected to make a full recovery.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Chesapeake Police Department or Virginia State Police.
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