Va. House of Delegates Clerk Bruce Jamerson Dies

Bruce Jamerson, who served as clerk of the Virginia House of Delegates for 20 years, died Sunday. He was 53.

Virginia State Police said officers found Jamerson's body around 2:30 a.m. Monday along a walking path beside the James River in Powhatan County, hours before House members were to reconvene a special legislative session on redistricting.

Medical examiner spokesman Steve Murman says Jamerson died of a gunshot wound to the head. His death was ruled a suicide.

State Police were called to search for Jamerson shortly before midnight on Sunday after his car was found parked not far from where search dogs discovered his body.

While the unexpected death shocked the state's elected officials, the House reconvened at 3 p.m. Monday as scheduled.