WASHINGTON – Police say an off-duty police officer shot and killed his son as the son fatally stabbed his mother, the officer’s wife, at their Montgomery County home.
Montgomery County police spokesman Capt. Jim Daly says the officer James Stirkens fired at his 25-year-old son, Chris, Wednesday night after he saw him attack his mother, Denise, with a sharp object in the family’s Gaithersburg home. Denise, 53, was critically injured and later died at a hospital.
The reason for the fight was not immediately known.
James Stirkens is a sergeant and 27-year veteran of the department. He has been placed on administrative leave, which is standard.
Montgomery County Public Schools confirms Chris attended Magruder High School and graduated in 2006.
Police say they will release more information later.
Moco Police say Officer Stirkens shot 25 yo son Chris because Chris was stabbing 53 yo mom Denise.. she later died. Chris died on scene.
— Kate Ryan (@KateRyanWTOP) January 30, 2014
Cop shoots son to save mom
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Kate Ryan, WTOP
The Associated Press and WTOP’s Kate Ryan contributed to this report. Follow @WTOP on Twitter and on the WTOP Facebook page.