18-Year-Old Andrew Mitts Jr. Fatally Shot; Investigation Into Illegal Firearms Underway
18-year-old Andrew Mitts Jr. died from a gunshot wound. Police now probe illegal firearms ties. Grab the full story and key facts today
The Staunton community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 18‑year‑old Andrew “AJ” Wayne Mitts Jr., a senior at Buffalo Gap High School, who was killed in a shooting Wednesday evening in the Maple Leaf Drive area, authorities said.
According to the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched at approximately 7:46 p.m. on February 18, 2026, after multiple reports of gunfire. Dispatchers also reported that two people at the scene had suffered gunshot wounds.
When deputies arrived, they immediately began life‑saving efforts. One victim, a 19‑year‑old man, was transported to a nearby landing zone and airlifted to the University of Virginia Medical Center with life‑threatening injuries. AJ Mitts Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene, and his body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for examination.
Officials say numerous firearms were recovered at the scene. Investigators believe the incident was isolated and linked to the illegal sale of handguns, though no arrests have yet been announced and the investigation remains ongoing.
AJ’s sudden passing has left his family, classmates, and the Buffalo Gap High School community devastated. At just 18 years old, he was nearing graduation and looking ahead to the next chapter of his life. Friends and loved ones described him as a vibrant young man whose life ended far too soon.
The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information to contact investigators at 540‑245‑5333.
As law enforcement continues its investigation, community members are coming together to grieve, reflect, and support AJ’s family during this unimaginably difficult time.