Virginia beach woman admits to killing 90-year-old father in rodney lane shooting

Virginia Beach woman admits to killing 90-year-old father in Rodney Lane shooting

September 10, 2025

Virginia Beach, VA – A woman is facing murder charges after police say she shot and killed her 90-year-old father inside their Virginia Beach home earlier this year.

Officers responded to a home in the 500 block of Rodney Lane on May 7 around 11:11 a.m. for reports of a shooting. Inside, they found Woodard McClure, 90, suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency crews pronounced him dead at the scene.

Investigators quickly identified McClure’s daughter, 43-year-old Jennifer Mulligan, as the suspect. Police said she was taken into custody at the residence without incident. According to authorities, Mulligan later admitted during a 911 call that she shot her father “on purpose,” telling the dispatcher she “did what [she] had to do.”

Detectives with the Virginia Beach Police Department’s Violent Crimes Unit led the investigation, which determined the killing was domestic in nature. Mulligan has been charged with first-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Police have not released further details on what led up to the shooting.


Key Points

  • Virginia Beach police say Jennifer Mulligan, 43, shot and killed her 90-year-old father, Woodard McClure, inside their home.
  • Mulligan allegedly admitted in a 911 call that she killed him “on purpose.”
  • She is charged with first-degree murder and a firearm offense.

A family home turned crime scene, with a daughter now accused of pulling the trigger on her own father.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

As the founder of Shore News Network, Stilton oversees editorial operations, investigative reporting, and breaking news coverage while working closely with journalists, public officials, and community leaders. His reporting has covered municipal government, state politics, federal policy, public records investigations, emergency management, and major news events affecting local communities.

Stilton is committed to factual reporting, source verification, transparency, and providing readers with accessible, accurate information that helps them better understand the issues shaping their communities. Through Shore News Network, he continues to focus on delivering trusted news coverage and original reporting to audiences across New Jersey and beyond.

For story tips, corrections, or media inquiries, readers can contact Shore News Network through its official website and social media channels.