Strasburg, Virginia — Newly released police body-camera footage and hotel surveillance video paint a fuller, more disturbing picture of the chaotic series of events that led to the fatal shooting of40-year-old Melissa Tompkins outside the Ramada by Wyndham hotel on December 17, 2023. What began as a disorderly conduct call rapidly escalated into a violent confrontation during which Tompkins fought with officers, disarmed them of equipment, and ultimately advanced on an officer despite multiple warnings and attempts to subdue her.
Initial 911 Call: “A Woman Acting Erratically”
At around 11:00 p.m., the Shenandoah County Emergency Communication Center received a report that a woman was destroying property and behaving unpredictably inside the hotel. Employees said she appeared agitated, confused, and possibly under the influence of drugs or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Officer George Rathore was dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, he located Tompkins in the hotel parking lot. She appeared disoriented, walking quickly and ignoring the officer’s commands.
When ordered to stop, she fled deeper into the parking area, prompting Officer Rathore to pursue her on foot.
Taser Attempts Prove Ineffective
During the chase, Officer Rathore deployed two Taser cartridges in an attempt to halt Tompkins without using lethal force. Both attempts failed. Video shows Tompkins pulling one of the Taser wires and advancing toward the officer with surprising aggression.
The failed Taser deployments marked a critical turning point. According to law-enforcement trainers, Tasers are often ineffective in cold weather, through thick clothing, or when the suspect is highly agitated.
Tompkins Grabs Officer’s Radio and Baton
As the confrontation escalated, Tompkins seized Officer Rathore’s police radio receiver, wrapping the cord around his neck. Momentarily losing balance during the struggle, Rathore fell to the ground.
While attempting to regain control, he reached for his baton and swung toward Tompkins’ leg in hopes of creating distance. Instead, Tompkins grabbed the baton from his hand and struck him in the head.
The blow caused Rathore to stumble backward, and the two briefly separated.
Officer Issues Repeated Verbal Warnings
According to the bodycam audio, Officer Rathore repeatedly shouted:
“Stop! I don’t want to shoot you!”
Tompkins did not retreat. Instead, she stepped forward toward the officer, still within dangerously close proximity.
Fearing imminent harm after losing both his radio and baton during the struggle — and with previous non-lethal options exhausted — Rathore drew his firearm.
Four Shots Fired
As Tompkins continued advancing, Rathore fired four rapid shots, striking Tompkins in the chest. She collapsed to the asphalt, initially moving slightly before becoming motionless.
The officer’s emotional reaction was immediate and intense. In the video, he can be heard shouting:
“Why did you do that? Why did you do that?”
He then called for urgent backup and medical assistance.
CPR Attempted for Over Six Minutes
Officer David Rhodes arrived minutes later and immediately began CPR, working on Tompkins for6½ minutes while awaiting medics. Officer Bianca Hager also assisted in the lifesaving attempts.
Tompkins was transported to Winchester Medical Center, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Hotel Surveillance Footage Reveals Earlier Behavior
Authorities also released surveillance video from inside the Ramada hotel that documented Tompkins’ actions before Officer Rathore arrived.
The footage shows Tompkins:
- Ransacking office areas
- Knocking items off desks
- Crawling under tables
- Removing a security monitor from the wall after seeing herself displayed
- Wandering hallways carrying a fire extinguisher
- Climbing out a hallway window
Employees told investigators they feared for their safety as Tompkins’ behavior became increasingly aggressive and unpredictable.
Behavior Consistent With Crisis Episode, Investigators Say
Officials noted that Tompkins’ erratic behavior could indicate substance influence, psychosis, extreme emotional distress, or a combination thereof. A full toxicology report is pending review and is expected to be part of the final investigative packet.
Officer Rathore’s Actions Under Review
Per standard protocol, Officer Rathore has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of multiple investigations, including:
- An internal affairs review
- A criminal investigation by the county
- A use-of-force analysis by an external agency
Preliminary analysis suggests that Rathore attempted multiple lesser-force options, including two Tasers and baton strikes, before resorting to lethal force. Investigators will evaluate whether the officer reasonably feared serious bodily harm given that Tompkins had already:
- Wrapped his radio cord around his neck
- Disarmed him of his baton
- Struck him in the head
- Continued advancing despite verbal warnings
Community Responses Are Deeply Divided
The release of the footage has prompted a range of emotional reactions within the community. Some residents say the officer was placed in an impossible situation after Tompkins escalated the confrontation.
Others argue the tragedy highlights the limitations of police response in mental-health emergencies and the need for specialized crisis teams.
One local resident commented:
“It’s heartbreaking. She clearly needed help. But the officer was being attacked. There were no good options left.”
Another questioned:
“Why was a single officer the first on scene for a call involving such erratic behavior?”
Family of Melissa Tompkins Requests Transparency
Family members of Tompkins have expressed shock and grief at the incident, requesting full transparency and questioning whether alternative de-escalation practices could have prevented her death.
Advocates for mental-health reform have also renewed calls for expanding crisis-intervention teams statewide.
Investigation Continues
The Virginia State Police and Shenandoah County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office are reviewing all available evidence, including:
- Bodycam footage
- Hotel surveillance recordings
- Forensic evidence
- Autopsy results
- Officer and witness statements
A final determination regarding the officer’s actions is expected in the coming months.
