The Commonwealth’s Attorney, Amy Ashworth, has announced charges for the suspect in a fatal car accident that occurred on May 1, at Cardinal Drive in Prince William County that resulted in the death of Deborah Lynn Talbot.
According to a press release from the Office of Commonwealth’s Attorney, the suspect, identified, as Cierra Dickerson, 19, has been charged with the following:
“• One count of Involuntary Manslaughter under Virginia Code § 18.2-36 (Involuntary
Manslaughter carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a $2500 fine)• One count of Racing Involving Death under Virginia Code §§ 46.2-865 and 46.2-865.1
(Racing Involving Death carries a potential sentence of 1 to 20 years in prison)• One count of Reckless Driving – Too Fast for Conditions under Virginia Code § 46.2-861
(Reckless Driving carries a potential sentence of up to one year in jail and a $2500 fine)• One count of Reckless Driving – Failure to Maintain Proper Control under Virginia Code
§ 46.2-853 (Reckless Driving carries a potential sentence of up to one year in jail and a
$2500 fine)The charges in an indictment include allegations that a defendant has committed a crime.
Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.”
The fatal incident occurred when Dickerson drove off the roadway while speeding and hit Talbot while she was walking her dog. Talbot was then flown to a local hospital where she ultimately died from her injuries.
Dickerson will face trial on July 17 in Manassas.
Recent Stories
This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
The Woodbridge District invites residents to join a Community Update Town Hall Meeting hosted by Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin. This virtual event offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in the community.
Details of the Town Hall:
Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Residents can participate in the meeting by joining the Zoom session.
On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.
Gomez Alvarez displayed red, glassy eyes and had a strong odor of alcohol. The investigation revealed that he had been convicted of DUI in New York just the previous day, making this his second offense in five years. He was charged with DUI second offense, refusal, and destruction of property and was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
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:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
