Man shot dead after killing son, nephew in US

WASHINGTON - A 52-year-old man killed his son and nephew before being shot dead in US state of Virginia, police said Monday.

The shooting took place in Louisa County in central Virginia Sunday afternoon. County Sheriff Investigator Major Donald Lowe identified the gunman as Charles P. Steadman Sponaugle Sr, Xinhua reported.

Lowe said Sponaugle shot dead his own son and a nephew and wounded four relatives including his wife.

State police believe the deadly dispute happened because of an argument over rights to a piece of property worth some $25,000.

Police arrived at Sponaugle’s mobile home after receiving a call for a shooting. The suspect began firing at policemen. He was shot dead by officers.