Join

Two Charged With Murder in Belle Plains Mystery

 By KJ MUSHUNG

Stuart Lee Sullivan is one of two suspects in the murder of Plaster.
Stuart Lee Sullivan is one of two suspects in the murder of Plaster.

STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two suspects in the death of the person whose remains were found on the property of 881 Belle Plains Road in Stafford County on March 21.

In a press release, the sheriff’s office identified the human remains as those of Jason Plaster, a resident of Stafford County who was reported missing by family members in July of 2007. Plaster was 31 years old when he was reported missing.

The two suspects are William “Bill” Joseph Hughes, age 44, of 39 Mickelson Lane in Stafford, and Stuart Lee Sullivan, age 49, of 1 North Jenny Lane in Fredericksburg.

Both men have been charged with one count of first degree murder and one count of the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. They are being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail under no bond.

Hughes was arrested as his place of employment, Scooter’s Works on Cambridge Street in south Stafford at 7 p.m., March 29. Sullivan was arrested at the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office shortly after 6 p.m., the same night.

William Joseph Hughes is one of two suspects in the murder of Plaster.
William Joseph Hughes is one of two suspects in the murder of Plaster.

Bill Kennedy, public information officer of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office, would not say how the remains were determined to be Plaster. He did say that Plaster died of gunshot wounds.

The investigation began when a search warrant was carried out at the Belle Plains Road property on March 14. While there, detectives arrested Dennis Paul Benzie, 58, for drug and gun-related charges. Stafford County courts system lists 12 charges so far. Dennis’ wife, Sheila Benzie, is listed in land records as being the sole owner of the property. However, she died of cancer on Jan. 11 at Mary Washington Hospital, according to Major David Decatur of the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office and an obituary on the website of Covenant Funeral Home.

Law enforcement officials have not said whether Benzie is also a suspect. Kennedy said the only suspects they have are the two who were arrested.

Additional charges are pending in this case.

 

The remains of Jason Plaster were found on the property of 881 Belle Plains Road. [Photo: Mary Davidson / Potomac Local News]
The remains of Jason Plaster were found on the property of 881 Belle Plains Road. [Photo: Mary Davidson / Potomac Local News]

Recent Stories

“Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s veto of a bill that would have allowed young immigrants brought to the U.S. as children to become police officers was met with disappointment from Prince William County Police Chief Peter Newsham, who pushed for the measure and went to Richmond to support it.”

Fire and rescue crews were called to a fire at Lake Ridge Orthodontics today, Wednesday, March 27, 2024, at 5:31 a.m.

“On Monday night, the Moss Free Clinic issued a statement regarding its future, “proudly announcing its continued independence as a beacon of hope and healthcare for the underserved in the Fredericksburg area.”

As a slow-moving cold front creeps across the Mid-Atlantic region, residents can expect unsettled weather with showers and the potential for thunderstorms.

Are you facing life’s challenges, feeling overwhelmed, or seeking personal growth? Embrace the path to emotional well-being with our expert psychotherapy services!

Why Choose Us?

Our team of compassionate and experienced psychotherapists is here to guide you on your journey to inner peace, self-discovery, and positive change. We provide a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Dreaming of small-town charm with big-city convenience? Look no further than 7156 Main St in Clifton, Virginia! Nestled just 30 miles from the heart of Washington D.C., this picturesque property offers the best of both worlds.

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city to find tranquility in this quaint, historic town. With its tree-lined streets and friendly community atmosphere, Clifton is the perfect place to call home. Yet, with its close proximity to the nation’s capital, you’ll never be far from the excitement and opportunities of urban living.

Imagine weekends exploring local shops, dining at charming cafes, and enjoying outdoor adventures in nearby parks. Then, commute to D.C. for work or play, soaking in all the culture, entertainment, and career opportunities the city has to offer.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 32nd Annual Van Metre 5K Run, a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, and every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list