State commission tasked with investigating VB mass shooting includes VB sheriff, former deputy police chief, among others

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) -- After a delay because of the coronavirus pandemic, the state commission tasked with investigating Virginia Beach's mass shooting in May 2019 is now being formed.

Officials tell 10 On Your Side that seven of the 20 members have been appointed.

They include Virginia Beach Sheriff Ken Stolle, former Del. Jerrauld Jones and former Virginia Beach Deputy Police Chief John Bell.

The appointees will work to investigate at the state level to uncover why a gunman -- a city employee -- shot and killed 12 people and injured several others.

NEW: After a delay due to the pandemic...the state commission charged with investigating @CityofVaBeach’s mass shooting is being formed. 7/20 members have now been appointed including @VBSO Ken Stolle, former Del. Jerrauld Jones & former @VBPD Dep. Chief John Bell @WAVY_News pic.twitter.com/x4dMtsNPYY

— Brett Hall (@BrettHNews) November 23, 2020

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam approved $77,000 in his budget to have the commission “conduct an independent, thorough, objective incident review” of the mass shooting, which happened May 31, 2019 in Building 2 of the city's Municipal Center.

Some victims' family members pushed for the formation of the commission after they had concerns about other probes.

In January, WAVY News reported the state investigation was proposed as separate from the independent investigation conducted by independent firm Hillard Heintze and other investigations by the Virginia Beach Police Department and FBI.

At the time, some family of the victims said they viewed Hillard Heintze's report as more of a "review" of procedures rather than an investigation into the mass shooting.

Stay with WAVY.com for updates.

from WAVY.com https://ift.tt/3fsuSp4