Three dead in standoff at law firm
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Anger over a divorce settlement may have driven a 63-year-old Baptist deacon to shoot five people in a law office, killing two, then exchange gunfire with police during a standoff that ended with his death, authorities said in Alexandria.
A special tactical unit used explosives to enter the building shortly after midnight Friday and shot John Ashley after he opened fire, police spokesman Sgt. Clifford Gatlin said.
Autopsies are planned for all three of the dead, Gatlin said.
Police said Ashley repeatedly shot at them during the 10-hour standoff and shot at a remote-controlled police robot they sent inside. No officers were hurt.
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