Join

Dumfries body identified as homeless man

Dumfries, Va. –– The body found behind a Dumfries shopping plaza this week is that of a homeless man.

Kenneth Michael Hostetter, 66, was found behind a closed restaurant in the Triangle Shopping Plaza on Wednesday.

Investigators told News & Messenger they do not suspect foul play, and that the body was so badly decomposed police had to bring in a forensic anthropologist to identify the remains.

Those who had met Hostetter said he was a man of very limited financial means.

The man often frequented the winter shelter on Potomac Mills Road, near the Potomac Rappahannock Transportation Commission, in Woodbridge, said Gayle Sanders, administrator at Volunteers of America Chesapeake’s Hilda Barg Homeless Prevention Center on U.S. 1 in Woodbridge.

“He was on disability, and you can’t find a place to afford on $674 a month [his monthly income] in Prince William County. It’s true and sad,” said Sanders.

In addition to meeting him at the winter shelter, Sanders also spoke with Hostettler during an annual homeless count in Prince William.

During the count in January, 488 people in counted as being homeless in Prince William County, 1,056 less people than in Fairfax County, according to the Washington Metropolitan Council of Governments.

While officials admit the numbers can never be 100 percent accurate, the number of homeless residents fell by 142 in Prince William from the year before.

Author

Recent Stories

Prince William County’s Executive, Christopher Shorter, unveiled his $2 billion budget to the Board of County Supervisors on Tuesday night. He hopes to continue funding public schools, add staff positions, invest in technology, and provide salary increases.

The Dumfries Town Council designated a Waterfront District off Possum Point Road, marking a significant step in the town’s broader economic development strategy.

King George County Schools, Spotsylvania County Public Schools, and Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be closed tomorrow, Wednesday, February 19, 2025, due to the anticipated winter storm.

State Sen. Jeremy McPike’s Senate Bill 1305 was effectively killed for the session on Feb. 14 when a Virginia House of Delegates subcommittee for counties, cities, and towns voted 6-2 to lay the measure on the table. 

A Night on the Riviera

Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!

Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.

For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?

On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??

But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.

What’s in store:

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

×

Subscribe to our mailing list