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.
The woman being interviewed when a gunman killed two US journalists on live TV may have only survived because he ran out of bullets.
Vicki Gardner said she "ducked and dodged" as Vester Flanagan opened fire.
He did shoot her in the back but further attempts to fire more shots failed and then he fled.
Family spokesman Troy Keaton told NBC News: "After attempts to shoot her again, his gun was either not functioning or was out of bullets.
"She stayed there for a moment or two before she realised he was actually gone. Then she actually got up.
"She is just very thankful that she was able to survive and her and her husband Tim, they've been married 40 years, are still together."
Mrs Gardner is still recovering in hospital and Mr Keaton said there was no word yet on when she could go home.
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.