The two journalists killed during a live TV report were both shot in the head.
Reporter Alison Parker, 24, and cameraman Adam Ward, 27, died of gunshot wounds to the head and body, a Virginia coroner said.
Their former colleague Vester Flanagan shot himself when police caught up with him three hours from the scene of the killings.
A US federal agency has launched a manhunt for the gunman who shot and killedtwo local news journalists during a live TV broadcast.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed the search via their official Twitter account.
A third person, Vicki Gardner, was also shot in the back during the attack. Local media report she is currently in surgery.
Vicki Gardner, who was being interviewed live on-air when a gunmen shot two journalists has been released from hospital.
In a 23-page fax, Vester Flanagan said he was a "human powder keg waiting to go boom" before he slayed Alison Parker and Adam Ward.
Police confirmed Vester Flanagan shot himself hours after killing two former colleagues Alison Parker and Adam Ward on live TV.