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

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1 min read
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 is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

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