Matt Geary, who unsuccessfully sought the Henrico Commonwealth's Attorney seat in November, was found dead today of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to Henrico Police.

Geary was found deceased by police in the living room of a house in the 2200 block of Lauderdale Drive in the Far West End. A neighbor told WTVR television that Geary had moved into the house just yesterday.

Geary, who was the Republican nominee for the Commonwealth's Attorney seat, had come under fire from his own party, which demanded he give up the nomination after he admitted to having an extramarital affair. He refused, then publicly defended himself against Republican leaders who shifted their support to Bill Janis, a Republican-turned-independent who entered the race in August.

Geary and Janis ended up splitting the Republican vote, and Democrat Shannon Taylor won the seat in a surprise outcome.

Following the election, Geary returned to his private legal practice, Matt Geary Law, which specialized in traffic and criminal offenses.

Today, Taylor offered support to Geary's family in a statement.

“I want to offer my heartfelt sympathy to Matt’s wife Tabitha and his children and family," Taylor said. "I’ve known Matt since our days in law school and he was a colleague and a friend whom I held in both high personal and professional regard. Matt was an effective prosecutor who served the public with commitment and dedication. The respect in which he was held by law enforcement is something that any prosecutor would wish to achieve. He will be missed.

“My thoughts and prayers are with Matt’s family and I pray they find comfort in his memory. “