Virginia State Senator Creigh Deeds stabbed, son found dead (VIDEO)

GlobalPost

Virginia state Sen. Creigh Deeds was stabbed in the head and torso by his son, who then shot himself early Tuesday in what police are calling an attempted murder-suicide.

Deeds, 55, survived the attack and was flown from his Bath County home to UVA Hospital in Charlottesville.

Details of the assault have now been released, with state police spokeswoman Corinne Geller saying Deeds suffered stab wounds to his head and upper torso. His son, Gus, 24, was found in the home suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the scene.

Investigators believe Gus Deeds stabbed his father and then shot himself following some sort of dispute, CNN reported.

Gus Deeds had undergone a mental health evaluation as part of an emergency custody order on Monday, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

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Deeds ran unsuccessfully as the Democratic nominee for governor against Republican Bob McDonnell in 2009 and again against McDonnell for Attorney General in 2005.

McDonnell released a statement about Deeds's assault, calling it "heartbreaking."

"In this tough and sad time, our thoughts and prayers are with the Deeds family. The news from this morning is utterly heartbreaking," he said. "Creigh Deeds is an exceptional and committed public servant who has always done what he believes is best for Virginia and who gives his all to public service. He cares deeply about Virginia, and the people of Virginia care deeply for him."

Police held a press conference about the assault at noon local time.

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