The wife of Deriek Crouse, the slain Virginia Tech police officer buried today, spoke out for the first time since his death.
Tina Crouse said she was at work when she learned of Deriek’s death.
She told the Associated Press that the first thought that came into her mind, was that she should, “have kissed him better that morning.”
Tina said that since that moment, her life has been a cyclone of grief and anger, as she clings to memories.
“He deserved to be able to live out his life …and he didn’t get to enjoy it because some stupid person chose him,” she said.
“Somebody took our life from us.”
Flowers, notes and offerings mark where Officer Crouse was gunned down, outside Cassell Coliseum.
A dash cam video captured the details of the shooting. Police have yet to determine and disclose a motive.
Ross Truett Ashley walked up to Officer Crouse, who was working a routine traffic stop with another individual, and shot him.
He shot himself about a half-hour later. Police said that Ashley was a part-time student nearby at Radford University.
Ashley’s family offered their condolences and prayers to the Crouse family today.
In an unsigned statement sent to the Associated Press, the family of Ross Ashley also requested their privacy be respected.
They said there would be no additional statements.
