Motive Unknown in Four Slayings

Police said Monday that a Virginia man who killed four people, then himself, on Christmas Day had a history of mental problems.

Still, police were trying to determine a motive for the rampage. “Perhaps we’ll never be able to answer the question that is most prevalent, and that is: Why?” said Col. David Rohrer, chief of the Fairfax County Police Department.

“This is obviously a complex investigation with separate crime scenes and five victims. The events ... have certainly shocked and saddened us all,” Rohrer said.

Investigators believe Nathan W. Cheatham shot and killed his mother in the driveway of her McLean home. He then drove 10 miles to a home in Great Falls and fired more than 50 shots that killed three other people before turning the gun on himself.

Cheatham, 27, had been arrested several times by Fairfax County police for what they described as minor infractions.

Court records obtained by WRC-TV show that Cheatham was arrested in 2000 for driving on a revoked license and in 2001 for assault on a police officer, escape and carrying a concealed weapon. He spent 10 days in jail in 2002 for possession of cocaine and other drug offenses.

Police said Cheatham had a history of psychiatric problems but did not elaborate.

He had been living with his mother, Sheila G. Cheatham, 53, for at least two weeks. He had also stayed with his two brothers in Fairfax County.

Police say he broke into the second home and went from room to room, fatally shooting Janina C. Price, 50, and her son Adam S. Price, 19, who both lived there, and Christopher J. Buro, 20, of Great Falls, who was visiting.

Another member of the Price family hid in the basement and called for help as Cheatham opened fire. He escaped after the gunfire stopped.

Police said Cheatham was an acquaintance of the Prices. He had called them earlier and was asked not to come to the home.