Veronica L. Harding-Perkins of Libertytown, died on June 17 after a six-hour standoff outside her home. Harding-Perkins used to own and operate Town and Country Stables, a hunter and jumper barn in Frederick County. She was also featured on the February 2007 cover of The Equiery.
Police were called to the home by her husband Dean Perkins after a domestic dispute began late Wednesday evening. Perkins reported to police that she had been drinking, they argued and that she had access to several guns. Neighbors witnessed several household items being thrown out windows into the street.
The Associated Press stated that when police approached the house, Harding-Perkins pointed a gun at them from the doorway. Shots were fired, Harding-Perkins was hit and then a police barricade was set up until the Maryland Special Tactical Assault Team Element forced their way into the house using tear gas around 5 a.m. Thursday morning. Harding-Perkins was found dead on the dining room floor.
An investigation into the shooting is still being conducted. Perkins has gone on record as stating that he is outraged by how the situation was handled.
