Merrifield Shooting: 5 Things About The Gunman Who Shot Himself

MERRIFIELD, VA—It was a terrifying day for employees of a Merrifield law firm and parents of a nearby preschool when an active shooter was reported Wednesday. Thankfully, no one was injured, except the gunman, who died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds. Children at the Falls Church Merrifield Preschool, which is in the same building, reunited with parents at a nearby location.

The shooter at 8111 Gatehouse Road was identified as John Francis Wood, 52, of Vienna.

More information about the shooting is likely to come out. Police are interviewing witnesses in attempts to determine a motive. For now, here's what we know about Wood:

1. A lawyer at the law firm represented Wood's ex-wife.

The firm, Maddox & Gerock, represented Wood’s ex-wife, who he divorced in 2011, The Washington Post reports.

The firm said it could not comment on the shooting but released this message on Facebook:

2. A lawyer said he's been no trouble before.

A lawyer at the firm responded to a comment on the Facebook post, saying "When the person who enters has entered before without incidence, hard to protect against that. Thankfully everyone in the office took appropriate action but if things had been different, would not have helped. We are so very very fortunate."

3. Wood was in jail for an offense related to the divorce.

According to court records, Wood spent time in jail last May for failing to pay alimony.

4. Neighbors said he had a "hostile relationship" with his ex-wife.

Neighbors told ABC7 that Wood was not on good terms with his ex-wife. He had two children with her.

"He really wanted to readjust the alimony payments because he couldn't afford it anymore. He didn't make money like he used to, but his ex-wife wouldn't agree to it," one neighbor told the news station. "He even spent some time in jail because he couldn't make the payments. He felt like she was trying to ruin his life."

5. He was working in finance but was experiencing medical issues.

Neighbors said he was making a good deal of money in the financial industry. However, he was dealing with a brain tumor, among other medical issues.

Patch will continue to provide updates on the shooting investigation as police release additional information.

SIGN UP: Subscribe to a Virginia Patch News Alert and Newsletter. Or, if you have an iPhone, download the free Patch app.

Image via Fairfax County Police