A case of child abuse and neglect has led to the arrest of three family members following the death of a 4-year-old boy on January 19.
Officers responded to The Regency Apartments in the 9800 block of Shallow Creek Loop near Manassas at 7:36 p.m. January 19, to investigate reports of an unconscious child. When emergency responders arrived, they found the young victim, later identified as a 4-year-old boy, unresponsive.
Fire and Rescue personnel administered CPR before transporting the child to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
As detectives delved into the investigation, they discovered that the boy and his 5-year-old sister had endured long-term abuse and neglect at the hands of three family members, police said. These individuals were the primary caretakers of the children.
The investigation revealed the victim had been regularly bound with plastic wrap and packing tape, and he showed signs of severe malnutrition and dehydration at the time of his autopsy. Both children had been routinely deprived of food and water.
On January 29, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the three family members responsible for the children’s care. The arrested individuals have been charged with aggravated murder, felony murder, and felony child abuse and neglect. They are being held without bond.
The arrested individuals are:
- Rebecca Ann Romero, 53 – Charged with aggravated murder, felony murder, and felony child abuse and neglect.
- Shanyah Elizabeth Dilda, 22 – Charged with aggravated murder, felony murder, and felony child abuse and neglect.
- Kemmilyn Anita Wade, 18 – Charged with felony murder and felony child abuse and neglect.
The 5-year-old sister, along with two other children aged 12 and 14 who lived in the apartment, has been placed into the custody of Child Protective Services for their safety and well-being.
Due to the sensitive nature of the case and the age of the deceased, law enforcement has not released the victim’s identity. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are working to ensure the remaining children are safe and adequately cared for.
A mid-air collision occurred Wednesday evening over the Potomac River involving a PSA Airlines Bombardier CRJ700 regional jet, operating as American Airlines Flight 5342, and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter. At least 30 bodies have been recovered so far.
The crash occurred around 9 p.m. local time while the Bombardier CRJ700 approached Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) on its flight from Wichita, Kansas. The collision prompted a large-scale rescue operation, with more than 300 first responders deployed.
Rescue Efforts in Challenging Conditions
The crash site, located in the Potomac River, is surrounded by icy and dark waters, complicating efforts to recover survivors. D.C. Fire and EMS, along with local and regional fire departments, police, and the U.S. Coast Guard, have been working tirelessly to locate and retrieve victims from the wreckage. Chief John Donnelly of D.C. Fire and EMS highlighted the dangers of the situation, saying, “The water we’re operating in is about eight feet deep. There is wind and pieces of ice, making it extremely dangerous and difficult to work.”
At the time of the collision, 60 passengers and four crew members were aboard the American Airlines flight, while three personnel were aboard the military helicopter. The U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies have focused on saving lives, continuing rescue operations through the night.
Federal and Local Support
Mayor Muriel Bowser and U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy held a press conference late Tuesday, offering condolences to the victims and promising full support for the ongoing rescue operation. Secretary Duffy emphasized that the President has committed all necessary resources to assist in the recovery efforts. U.S. Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall of Kansas also expressed their deep sorrow and pledged support for the victims’ families.
“We are deeply concerned for the passengers and crew aboard American Airlines Flight 5342,” said an American Airlines spokesperson. The airline has set up a toll-free hotline at 800-679-8215 for loved ones seeking information about those on board.
Impact on Airport Operations
In response to the crash, Reagan National Airport temporarily halted all flights, and the terminal remains operational while authorities investigate. The airport will remain closed until at least 11 a.m. Wednesday, while 19 aircraft were diverted to other nearby airports. Other airports, including Dulles International, have not been affected.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the cause of the collision, with the NTSB taking the lead. Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police (MPD) have confirmed that multiple calls were received at 8:53 p.m. reporting the crash, prompting the rescue operation. No casualties have been confirmed, but authorities are continuing to assess the situation.
The NTSB has announced that further updates on the investigation will be provided once the rescue efforts are concluded.
As recovery efforts continue in the cold, dark waters of the Potomac River, officials are urging residents to respect the work of first responders and avoid interfering with the operation. A press update is expected at 7:30 a.m. Thursday.
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office initially responded to the home after a concerned friend discovered a deceased female and called 911. Upon arrival, deputies found both victims dead at the scene. Investigators have now confirmed that both victims died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Following the autopsy, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the cause of death as gunshot wounds. Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) continue their investigation and work around the clock to process evidence and interview potential witnesses. While the relationship between the victims remains under investigation, it has been confirmed that they were living together at the residence.
“We are working diligently to gather all the necessary information to bring clarity to this tragic situation,” said Major Elizabeth Scott. “Our team is following every lead and continuing to process evidence.”
The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information about the case to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously via the Spotsylvania Crime Solvers hotline at 1-800-928-5822 or online at Spotsylvania Crime Solvers. The P3tips app is also available for those who wish to submit information anonymously.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released additional details regarding possible suspects or motives.
Investigators are mum about how they died.
On Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., deputies responded to a call from a concerned individual who reported not having heard from a friend. Upon visiting the residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive, the caller entered the home and discovered a female’s body. They exited and contacted the Spotsylvania County 911 call center.
Deputies arrived at the scene and found both a male and female deceased within the residence. The victims were identified as 61-year-old Charles Childress and 59-year-old Kimberly Newcomb. Authorities confirmed that the pair had been living together, although the exact nature of their relationship remains unclear.
Detectives with the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) initiated an investigation, conducting interviews and collecting evidence at the scene. Preliminary findings revealed that both victims suffered what law enforcement officers call “fatal injuries,’ and the incident has been classified as a homicide.
More as we have it.
A speeding incident escalated into a high-speed pursuit Wednesday, January 21, 2025, on Interstate 95, according to Virginia State Police spokesman Matthew Demlein.
At 11:33 a.m., a Virginia State Police trooper attempted to stop a silver sedan traveling northbound on I-95 near the 157-mile marker in Prince William County for speeding—clocked at 93 mph in a 60-mph zone. The driver refused to stop, prompting a police pursuit.
During the chase, the sedan struck the mirror of another vehicle, causing minor damage, but no injuries were reported. The pursuit continued onto eastbound Interstate 495 and ultimately ended at the Woodrow Wilson Bridge, marking the Maryland state line. At that point, the pursuit was terminated.
Virginia State Police have not released additional details about the driver or whether charges are pending.
Hat tip to Potomac Local News sponsor Mark Worrilow of Fathom Realty—the best darn realtor in Northern Virginia—for tipping us off to this story while on his way to meet a client.
As Arctic air brings frigid temperatures to the region, multiple school districts have announced schedule adjustments for Thursday, January 23, 2025:
- Stafford County Public Schools: 2-hour delay.
- Spotsylvania County Public Schools: 2-hour delay. Twelve-month and essential employees report on time as safety permits. All other employees report two hours late.
- King George County Schools: 2-hour delay.
- Fredericksburg City Public Schools: 2-hour delay. Employees should report two hours late.
Weather Forecast from the National Weather Service
This article is FREE to read. Please Sign In or Create a FREE Account. Thank you.
The Prince William County Police Department responded to a multi-vehicle crash that initially closed all southbound and northbound lanes of Dumfries Road. Motorists were advised to find alternate routes as police worked to investigate and clear the scene.
Police reported that one lane in each direction had been reopened. Police continue investigating the crash, and drivers are urged to exercise caution while traveling through the area and follow police directions.
The extent of the injuries remains unknown at this time. Stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
Here’s the latest on school closures and delays across the region:
Prince William County
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) will start two hours late on Friday, January 10. All bus routes will also be adjusted by two hours. Parents are encouraged to check with their school for specific bell times and use the Here Comes the Bus app for bus arrival updates. Due to an expected increase in drop-offs, families are asked to be patient with staff and plan for additional time during arrival.
Stafford County
Stafford County Schools will be closed for students on Friday, January 10. All activities and events scheduled for Friday and Saturday are canceled.
- Emergency personnel are expected to report on time.
- 12-month employees will report at 10 a.m. with liberal leave authorized.
- Licensed employees will have a workday starting at 10 a.m.
Free meals will be provided to all Stafford students aged 18 and under at the following locations:
- Kate Waller Barrett Elementary School
- Rocky Run Elementary School
- Edward E. Drew Middle School
Meals will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will include take-home breakfasts. Students are welcome regardless of meal eligibility status.
Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg City Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 10.
- Essential personnel should report at 8 a.m.
- 12-month employees report at 10 a.m.
- Teachers and certificated employees (excluding 12-month employees) will have a flexible workday, either working remotely or at school starting at 10 a.m.
Manassas Park
All Manassas Park City Schools will open two hours late on Friday, January 10.
Spotsylvania County
Friday, January 10, will be a Teacher Work Day for Spotsylvania County Public Schools. No students will report to school, and all student after-school activities are canceled.
King George County
King George County Schools will be closed Friday, January 10, due to adverse road conditions and inclement weather.
- 12-month employees will operate under Code 2 with a report time of 10 a.m.
Fairfax County
All Fairfax County public schools and school offices will open two hours late on Friday, January 10.
- Central offices will open at 10 a.m.
- SACC centers will open at 8 a.m.
Several schools in our region have announced closures and delays for Thursday, January 9, 2025, due to icy road conditions and inclement weather. Here is the latest list of updates:
Prince William County Public Schools
