Woman Tells of Harrowing Experience in Deadly Shooting Rampage

By Linda Cicoira

     Caitlyn Rowley, one of the victims of a recent shooting rampage in Northampton County, said Thursday that the gunman opened fire on her Birdsnest house and at her family and continued to shoot for nearly an hour during the horrifying incident on July 13. 

     Forty-five-year-old Trevor Claude Henriques Jr., of Nassawadox, has been accused of crimes in a total of three shooting incidents that day. His mother and girlfriend died from gunshot wounds at two locations. An officer was struck in his bulletproof vest but was not physically injured. Henriques was treated for wounds sustained when police returned fire. He is being held in the Eastern Shore Regional Jail with bond denied.

      So far, Henriques is charged with attempted premeditated murder of Deputy A. Gaskins, attempted premeditated murder of Deputy J. Smith, attempted second-degree murder of Edward Rowley, attempted second-degree murder of Caitlyn Rowley, and being a violent felon in possession of a weapon. Police are expected to charge him with two counts of murder and several other firearm crimes next week. 

      The Rowleys received a warning phone call from an unnamed person, but moments later, and before the family could leave their home, the suspect allegedly arrived, and the two were shot.  

      Warrants stated that Caitlyn Rowley was hit with gunfire in the back and her husband, Edward Rowley, was shot twice. The woman further disclosed in a text message that she was also struck by gunfire in the back of the head. 

     “My husband was shot 6-8 times,” she continued in a message to a reporter. “The event lasted from 5:02 a.m. to 6 a.m. … Our three children were also there, and nearly everything we own is destroyed.”

     “Our family experienced something we never imagined we would have to go through,” Caitlyn Rowley said on a GoFundMe page. “Our home became the scene of a terrifying and traumatic event that changed our lives forever … We are grateful to still be here, but we are now facing a long road of physical, emotional, and financial recovery.”

      Mrs. Rowley said she and her husband are unable to work due to the injuries and the “healing process ahead … My husband, who is the main provider for our family, will be unable to work for at least three months, or possibly longer, as he focuses on recovering.” 

     “This has created an additional financial hardship … We are already trying to rebuild our home and create a sense of safety and normalcy for our children again,” she continued. “Our home was severely damaged, leaving us without many of the things we need to feel safe and comfortable again.”

     “New windows, furniture, household necessities, and support” are needed “as we begin rebuilding what was taken from us,” a letter on the fundraising site stated. “We have always worked hard and never imagined we would need to ask for help like this. But we are learning that sometimes God places people in our lives to carry us through the hardest moments.”

     The goal is to raise $20,000. At this writing, $2,358 has been promised. To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-rowleys-journey-to-healing-and-recovery.

     “More than anything, we ask for prayers for our family … We are thankful to God for protecting us and giving us the strength to keep moving forward. Thank you to everyone who has prayed, reached out, shared, or supported us in any way. Your kindness means more than words can express.”

      Henriques’ 70-year-old mother, who was initially identified as Katrina Henriques, and later was called Kathy Henriques by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, and 37-year-old Rebecca Knox, the suspect’s girlfriend, both of the Nassawadox area, died from multiple gunshot wounds. 

     Another victim was identified via another GoFundMe page as Bernard Williams Jr., also known as “Buck.” He is in a hospital in Hampton Roads and “is now fighting a long road to recovery.” No charges have been filed for that shooting. His fundraiser hopes to raise $6,500. At this writing, $2,690 has been donated.

     He is “a kind, caring man who always gave back to his community, especially to the elderly,” the page stated. “No matter what he was doing, if he saw someone in need, he never hesitated to lend a helping hand. He was also a mentor to many young people, always willing to offer encouragement, guidance, and advice. Tragically, Buck became the victim of a senseless act of violence. He was not involved in any confrontation. He was simply retrieving his family’s dog. As he was walking back into the house, he was shot from behind with his back turned. Buck was an innocent bystander whose life was forever changed by this heartbreaking tragedy. Our family is asking for your prayers, support, and any donation you can give during this incredibly difficult time.” 

      That family also thanked everyone for their kindness, generosity, and continued prayers.

     “By the grace of God, Bernard survived, and he is now fighting through the long road to recovery,” the site said. “While we are incredibly grateful that he is still with us, the emotional, physical, and financial impact on our family has been overwhelming.”

     “Our mother was present during this heartbreaking event and is now coping with the emotional trauma of witnessing something no family should ever have to experience,” the fundraiser stated. “As we focus on supporting Bernard and helping our mother through this difficult time, the costs continue to grow.”

      A link to donate is https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-bucks-recovery-after-tragic-shooting.