The Manassas City Council has narrowed its search for a new city manager, announcing that it will interview five candidates on Nov. 14 and 15.
This announcement, which comes just days before the city’s General Election, raises anticipation for a potential new appointment in early 2025, following a year without a permanent city manager.
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The new Puller Veterans Care Center (Puller VCC) is being built on the former Vint Hill Farms Station in Fauquier County, which previously served as a United States Army and National Security Agency facility. The site played a critical role in eavesdropping on enemy communications during World War II, when it intercepted a message that helped lead to the D-Day invasion of Normandy. The new care center will deliver top-quality care to Virginia veterans in a home-like setting. The 128-bed facility will feature all private rooms that will be organized into households and neighborhoods that surround a central community center. [Virginia Department of Veterans Services]The Puller Veterans Care Center, a long-awaited state-run facility for Northern Virginia veterans, will not open by the end of 2024, as previously expected. Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) officials now anticipate the facility will open in early 2025, marking the latest in a series of setbacks for the project, which has been delayed multiple times since its original 2022 target.
“No, it’s not going to be ready by the end of the year,” confirmed Commissioner Charles Ziegler, who assumed his role in January. Ziegler cited pandemic-related labor shortages, ADA compliance issues, and ongoing quality control efforts as factors contributing to the revised timeline.
A History of Delays
The Puller Veterans Care Center has encountered numerous hurdles since its inception. The project began in 2010 when VDVS first applied for federal funding to establish a new care center in Northern Virginia. After state funds were allocated in 2016, the Vint Hill site in Fauquier County was selected for its favorable economic support from local officials.
Construction formally began with a groundbreaking in 2017. However, as FauquierNow.com first reported, stringent federal design requirements slowed progress, prompting a redesign in 2018. The new plan reduced the facility from 10 to eight buildings, accommodating 128 residents, and included additional amenities such as a chapel, activity rooms, and secure courtyards. In 2019, a $34 million federal grant, matched by state funding, brought the project’s budget to $68 million.
Unexpected issues, including non-compliant door frames, were discovered as recently as 2022, setting back the timeline further. Earlier this year, VDVS projected the center would open in late 2024; however, this target has since shifted to early 2025.
Ziegler emphasized that the Virginia Department of Veterans Services holds the contractor accountable for all delays and rework, assuring the public that taxpayers will not be impacted by additional costs. “We have measures in place to ensure the contractor fulfills the contract, and any overpayments will be addressed through the proper channels,” he said.
Steven J. Combs, VDVS Chief Deputy Commissioner, told FauquierNow.com that construction issues were identified and addressed promptly to ensure full ADA compliance. The next steps will involve passing final inspections and securing a certificate of occupancy, a process expected to take three to four months.
The delay has also impacted hiring, with only 13 of the planned 200 staff positions currently filled. Combs explained that hiring will resume three to four months before the facility opens, with approximately 60 staff members expected to be onboarded by the time the first residents move in.
The Puller Veterans Care Center will feature 128 individual rooms arranged into 16-room “households.” Staffing levels will increase gradually with resident admissions, aiming to reach a 96% occupancy rate within 16-18 months.
On Friday, November 1, at 1 p.m., Manassas Park City held its annual Veterans Flag Ceremony outside City Hall, paying tribute to the men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Led by the Manassas Park Honor Guard, the event commenced with reverence and respect as the American Legion Post 10’s Color Guard presented the colors, marking the beginning of a solemn yet celebratory occasion.
Interim City Manager Keith Nguyen welcomed attendees. Alisha Morka’s rendition of the national anthem followed as voices joined in unison to celebrate the freedoms the veterans fought to protect.
A significant moment in the ceremony came as Commissioner Charles Ziegler, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services commissioner, took the stage. A retired Navy veteran with 31 years of service, Ziegler spoke poignantly about veterans’ sacrifices and the American flag’s enduring symbolism. “The American flag has been the symbol of our nation’s unity, as well as a source of pride and inspiration for millions of citizens,” he remarked. “Every pledge of allegiance we take, and every flag-raising we witness is a celebration, and it honors the deeper meaning of how we live our lives and what we believe.”
Reflecting on the origins of the Pledge of Allegiance, Ziegler emphasized the importance of patriotism and unity in today’s world, drawing a parallel to historical efforts to instill loyalty and respect for the nation. “With all the distractions that we have today, how many of us think about patriotism?” he asked the crowd. “The raising of our flag and our pledge of allegiance embodies patriotism, sacrifice, devotion, security, and loyalty.”
The Honor Guard formally raised the veterans flag, followed by remarks from Constantine Ferssizidis, Board Member of the Northern Virginia Veterans Association, and Josh Himan, a combat-injured Marine and Hylton High School graduate. Himan shared his personal story, highlighting his journey from civilian life to the Marine Corps and his experiences in Afghanistan, where he sustained severe injuries. He credited the support of Semper Fi & America’s Fund with helping him and his family through his recovery. “They were always with me from the very beginning,” he said. “I’m proud to say that Semper Fi has grown to help all branches, supporting over 33,000 veterans across this nation.”
Councilmember Laura Hampton offered a local perspective, sharing stories of veterans from the Manassas area and underscoring their essential role in the community. “Veterans are the very lifeblood of a thriving and vibrant community,” Hampton stated, adding, “The best way to honor veterans’ service is to speak their names, share their stories, and remember their contributions to our country.” She recounted a meeting with local veterans, including Harry Humphrey, a Vietnam veteran who served in the 293rd Engineer Battalion Transportation Company. She called it an honor to witness and share their legacy.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Nguyen, who expressed deep gratitude to all veterans present and nationwide. “As we gather here today, may we continue to honor and support those who served and remember that the freedoms we enjoy are owed to their sacrifices,” he stated.
The Manassas Park Veterans Flag Ceremony poignantly reminds the city of its dedication to honoring its veterans, recognizing their contributions to national security and their integral role in the community. In Manassas Park and Prince William County, veterans make up a significant part of the population, strengthening local businesses, enriching community values, and shaping future generations with their resilience and service.
The new Dean Park is well on its way to completion, with the fields and courts on track to open in March 2025 following a years-long planning and renovation process.
The new park is part of the new Jennie Dean Elementary School, which will be replacing the existing Jennie Dean building on the same lot in Manassas. Designs for the new building were approved in February, and there were disagreements between City Council and the Manassas City Public School Board about the future of the existing building in the spring.
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The districts most likely to shift Virginia’s current balance of power in the House of Representatives from Democratic to Republican would be District 7 or 10, according to the nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project – but that may prove a tough feat for District 10’s Republican Mike Clancy.
Clancy is a lawyer, tech executive and “national media commentator,” according to his campaign website. He was the clear winner of the district’s Republican primary, capturing nearly 65% of the vote. But he has never been elected to state-level office before. At the same time, his competitor is Sen. Suhas Subramanyam, D-Loudoun, elected to the state Senate after two terms in its House of Delegates.
On October 29, a stabbing was reported on Stream Walk Lane. A 41-year-old man was cut multiple times during a verbal argument with a 28-year-old suspect, who is now wanted for aggravated malicious wounding. The victim was treated for serious injuries, and efforts to find the suspect have not been successful.
Press Release from Prince William Police Department:
Aggravated Malicious Wounding – On October 29 at 10:26PM, officers responded to the 8000 block of Stream Walk Ln. [near] Manassas (20109) to investigate a stabbing. The investigation revealed the victim, a 41-year-old man, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. During the encounter, the accused cut the victim multiple times before the parties separated and the accused left the area. The victim was treated at an area hospital for serious, non-life threatening injuries. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Rene DELCID ROMERO. Attempts to locate the accused have been unsuccessful.
Declid Romero, R.
Wanted: [Photo from July 2023]
Rene DELCID ROMERO, 28, of the 8200 block of Community Dr. [near] Manassas
Described as a Hispanic male, approximately 5’5”, 165lbs., with black hair and brown eyes
Wanted for aggravated malicious wounding
The City of Manassas has several boards and commissions that work to inform City Council’s decisions by studying issues, plans and policies.
There are several vacancies in Manassas, and here’s a comprehensive list of the immediate openings with the roles and responsibilities. If any of these positions are of interest, there’s an application and interview process for each.
The purpose of the Board of Zoning and Appeals is to hear and decide requests for variances from the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and to hear and decide appeals from the decisions of the Zoning Administrator. This Board requires a filing of the State Disclosure of Real Estate Holdings.
How many vacancies? One
When is it open? Immediately. The term lasts until June 30, 2027.
How long is this term? Five years.
When do they meet? Second Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m.
Who can I contact? Christen Miller, Community Development Admin Associate II; [email protected], 703-257-8223
The Manassas Historic Resources Board (HRB) advises City Council on matters of historical interest to the city, including historic preservation, education, cultural programs and tourism promotion. The HRB acts as an advisory board to the Manassas Museum System within the Parks, Culture, and Recreation Division, fosters wider awareness of the city’s historic legacy and promotes responsible stewardship of historic resources, both public and private.
How many vacancies? Two.
When is it open? Immediately. One position lasts until June 30, 2026, and the other lasts until June 30, 2027.
When do they meet? First Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.
The Manassas Regional Airport Commission advises management by overseeing the operation and maintenance of existing and future facilities to ensure the enforcement of the Minimum Standards and the Rules and Regulations of the Airport as adopted and amended.
How many vacancies? One.
When is it open? Immediately and lasts until June 30, 2026.
When do they meet? Third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m.
Who can I contact? Patricia Bibber; [email protected], 703-257-8261
The Parks and Recreation Committee encourages and develops community awareness, appreciation, involvement, and use of the City’s recreation and park facilities, services,and programs. The Parks and Recreation Committee acts as an advisory group to the Parks, Culture, and Recreation Division on parks, facilities, services and programs.
How many vacancies? One.
When is it open? Immediately and lasts until June 30, 2026.
When do they meet? Second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m.
Who can I contact? Kisha Wilson-Sogunro; [email protected], 703-257-8240
Advise Manassas City Council, as appropriate, on matters regarding solid waste and recycling within the City. This includes but is not limited to refuse and recycling collection, education and community outreach, litter control activity and enforcement. Advise Public Works via the Refuse and Recycling Coordinator. Evaluate and formulate policy recommendations for approval by the City Council, this includes, but not limited to, strategic planning. Work in cooperation with community organizations, Homeowners Associations and other groups for the general benefit of the residents of Manassas on matter related to Solid Waste and Recycling. Foster wider awareness of the responsibility that residents share with the City of Manassas to ensure that solid waste is handled and disposed of in an environmentally safe, practical, and sustainable manner and that positive efforts are made to reduce and recycle waste wherever possible. Consider and comment on other matters of general community interest and concern as requested by City Council or the Refuse and Recycling Coordinator.
How many vacancies? Three.
When is it open? Immediately. One term lasts until June 30, 2025, and another lasts until June 30, 2026.
When do they meet? Third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m.
Who can I contact? Colleen Burroughs, Refuse and Recycling Coordinator; [email protected], 703-257-8256
Three years ago, I joined a grassroots movement to save the Greater Manassas Baseball League (GMBL), an organization that serves as the heart and soul of our local sports community. Today, GMBL stands on the precipice of an uncertain future. The crucial question now is: Will Micron move forward with its option to purchase the E.G. Smith Baseball Complex, or will they stand down? Why have the current Council and Interim City Manager been so silent toward the GMBL Board?
For me, preserving GMBL isn’t just about baseball—it’s about standing up for transparency, integrity, and authentic representation in Manassas.
When GMBL was threatened by a public sale, I mobilized parents, players, and local supporters, making it clear that youth sports are integral to our community’s identity and the development of our children. Thanks to these efforts, GMBL’s advocates managed to secure renewed Council commitment to preserving our fields and youth sports. But now, more than ever, we must continue the fight.
This moment represents more than the future of GMBL; it’s a choice for Manassas residents. Will we elect leaders who genuinely reflect our values, or allow those in power to prioritize hidden agendas? The Micron deal with the city expires this week, and yet City Hall has maintained years of silence despite public assurances of a new home for GMBL. Micron now waits on a city response, and the stakes have never been higher.
Micron’s decision looms: will they prioritize corporate interests over their promises, or honor their commitments until we have leaders who represent us effectively? GMBL’s fate—and by extension, our community’s future—rests on who we elect in this coming election. If Micron proceeds with the purchase, GMBL will need a new home, and current city leaders will have failed to keep their word.
The ongoing issues surrounding GMBL and Micron’s role highlight the power of democracy rooted in accountability. My advocacy has shown that as constituents, we must demand transparency and genuine representation. Election day is our opportunity to ensure our voices are heard.
This movement is bigger than one baseball league; it’s about preserving democracy and reinforcing community values. By casting your vote, you uphold these principles and demand leadership that works for all of us.
Manassas City voters can cast their ballots early through Saturday at the Registrar’s office at 9025 Center Street or at their regular polling places on election day, Tuesday, November 5.
Let’s make the right choice for our city’s future.
Forkell Greene, a Republican, is seeking her first full term on the council after she won a special election in November 2021 to complete the term of then-council member Michelle Davis Younger, who was elected city mayor in 2020. Forkell Greene’s term expired in December 2022.
Marilyn Martin looks through a photo album of photos from her daughter Latoya Crabbe’s youth. Crabbe is charged with 2nd Degree Murder in the shooting death of her estranged husband Curtis Crabbe Jr. (Photo by Alan Gloss)
On October 29, a Prince William Circuit Court judge denied an appeal for bail for Dr. Latoya Crabbe, who stands accused of second-degree murder in the shooting of her husband, Curtis Crabbe Jr.
Prosecutors allege that Crabbe admitted to the October 21 shooting. Her attorney, David Daughtery, maintains it was an act of self-defense. With Judge Kimberly A. Irving’s ruling, Crabbe will remain in the Prince William County jail without bond.
Judge Irving challenged aspects of the prosecution’s argument, particularly regarding the number of wounds and the gun’s ammunition count. Prosecutors claimed that four wounds indicated a need for Crabbe to reload, given the gun’s seven-round capacity. Daughtery countered that two of the wounds were caused by a single bullet passing through the body.
Judge Irving left open the possibility for a renewed bail request pending further investigative reports from the Medical Examiner or Manassas Police Detectives.
A Woman on the Move
Crabbe graduated from Osbourn High School in Manassas in 2008. Due to her academic record and high SAT score, she was awarded a full tuition scholarship to Hampton University, where she received her doctorate in Pharmacology in 2014. In her last year of school, Crabbe began dating Curtis and returned to Manassas after graduation.
In 2015, Crabbe took a position as the Clinical Pharmacist for Indian Health Services in Chinle, Arizona, as part of her role in the uniformed U.S. Public Health Service. She continued the long-distance relationship she had started in college with Curtis, using FaceTime and text as a substitute for traditional dating.
After returning to Virginia in 2018, Crabbe took a position with the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, where she was a cadre instructor for newly commissioned medical professionals entering the National Health Service. Crabbe currently holds the rank of 0-4 Lieutenant Commander.
In 2020, she took a full-time position as a Program Manager at the Food and Drug Administration and went to a part-time position in the Public Health Service.
Crabbe’s best friend and fellow Hampton University alum, Alicia Banks, accompanied the defendant’s family to court to support her friend. In the courtroom, Banks described Crabbe as a patient woman.
Banks said Crabbe was always giving back to the community In addition to the time she spent on the Navajo Reservation deployed with the U.S. Public Health Service as a Clinical Staff Pharmacist for the Indian Health Services, “this is homecoming week at Hampton. She took a vacation from her job so she could be at Hampton to be a mentor to students.” Banks said she’s had to tell several alumni and faculty at Hampton about what she’s accused of since the arrest has kept her away from the school.
“When I tell people about this, even former professors, they can’t believe [Crabbe] was involved because she’s never even raised her voice to people. She doesn’t get angry. I don’t think she’s even yelled at her kids,” said Banks.
Crabbe appears in a 2014 photo at her graduation where she earned a doctorate in Pharmacology. (Photo courtesy Marilyn Martin)
Dr. Latoya Crabbe’s uniform for her commission in the U.S. Public Health Service hangs just outside her bedroom. Crabbe is a Lieutenant Commander in the federally funded medical service. (Photo by Alan Gloss)
On the Rocks
The Crabbes were married in 2018 and had their first of three children a year later. The couple moved to a 10-acre home in Ruther Glen, but Crabbe found it difficult to commute to her U.S. Public Health Service job in Maryland four hours a day and raise children without the support of her family. According to Crabbe’s mother, Marilyn Martin, even though Curtis objected, Crabbe moved the family into her mother’s basement in Manassas. Martin, a former Prince William County foster parent, babysat the Crabbe children during the day while Crabbe worked. Martin alleges Curtis’ insistence on moving nearly 70 miles away from her family in Manassas home was a way to control her.
According to court testimony by Daughtery, Crabbe filed for divorce in July, the second such filing for the couple. Martin showed reporters a copy of an eviction notice she issued Curtis on October 9. Martin said Crabbe ended the first divorce proceeding when Curtis threatened violence “because she was scared for the safety of all of us, especially the children,” she added, “[Crabbe] knew of his violent history and knew he wasn’t bluffing.”
Martin showed reporters a six-page document that she claimed showed emails Crabbe sent to a domestic violence counselor this summer in which she spelled out the physical and emotional abuse she and her children suffered under Curtis. Martin also showed reporters an internal security video showing Curtis slapping his three-year-old child on the side of her head because she was crying in the days before his death. Martin provided that video to investigators but did not provide the emails to reporters, as she said her attorney had not yet reviewed the documents.
Martin shared text messages allegedly from Curtis to one of her other daughters in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic that appeared to show a late-night text where Curtis wanted to go to the other daughter’s home because he was “try[ing] to chill for a few,” and he “didn’t want tonight to end.” Still, his wife “went to bed before [he] got home.” The unnamed daughter called his request “strange,” and Curtis later wrote to ensure she “didn’t get the wrong impression” of his late-night text request.
A text exchange allegedly from Curtis in 2019 blames Martin for the marital problems saying Crabbe “is always stuck up under [Martin’s butt] everyday. If I don’t go upstairs, I wouldn’t ever see her. I did 3.5 years of [a] long distance [relationship]… and I see her about as much as when she lived in AZ. I’m ready to roll all the way out!!!!”
A Violent Past
In 2006, when Curtis was 18, he was found guilty of felony charges related to a violent armed home invasion robbery in Stafford County. Details in the court record are slim because most are sealed, but public records show that he was sentenced to 40 years in the Virginia Penitentiary. All of his sentence was stayed pending him completing a youthful offender program, paying fines and restitution to the victims and completing 20 years of probation.
In 2014, Curtis violated probation after receiving a DUI. Records show that three years later, the commonwealth attempted to revoke his suspended sentence for violating the probation, but instead of sending him to prison as the initial order required, in May 2018, a Stafford Circuit Court judge only ordered him to pay $186 in court costs and put back on the original probation.
When reached for comment, the victims of the 2006 home invasion robbery refused to answer questions because they still feared the potential ramifications of talking about the violent crime.
Martin said Crabbe had confided in her that she learned after they were married that Curtis was violent with previous girlfriends and had pulled a weapon on one of his family members. Martin said that Curtis’ family chose not to report the crimes to the police due to his probation status and the knowledge he would go to prison should he be arrested.
Rising Tensions Leading to the Shooting
The living situation was “contentious in the months leading up to the shooting,” said Martin. Curtis was sleeping on a basement couch during the day because he worked the night shift at a Stafford County manufacturer. Curtis only occasionally stayed at the Martin home as he spent much time with his family in Stafford, which was closer to his work.
The Martins issued an eviction notice on October 9 to Curtis. Martin says that he got angry when Curtis came by several days later. In an unanswered text message to Crabbe, Curtis allegedly wrote, “I’m going upstairs to talk to your mom about this notice too[.] I got some [stuff] to get off my chest.” Martin said that when Curtis confronted her, he refused to leave the home and stated that Crabbe only needed space in the relationship.
On October 19, two days before the shooting, while Crabbe was on a business trip to New York City, in another unanswered text, Curtis allegedly wrote, “stop [messing] with me and answer my call or I’m going to go to the house and punch your mother in the face… I’m not playing around[,] I will hurt everyone in the house then set it on fire,” then he added, “I’m taking the kids and you will never see them.”
Martin said the family added additional locks to the home to prevent Curtis from following through on his threats. Martin said that although her daughter had her gun, she also acquired a gun as well because she was afraid of Curtis as she believed Curtis blamed her for a lot of the couple’s marital problems.
The Day of the Shooting
On the morning of Monday, October 21, Crabbe and Martin were at a bus stop when Curtis drove up to the home on Brinkley Street. Crabbe later told Martin that she had recorded two hours of Curtis alternating between threatening her, threatening suicide, and begging for reconciliation that day.
According to a timeline of the day provided by Martin, Curtis ultimately fell asleep on Crabbe’s bed as she worked on her computer in the same room, barely big enough for a double bed, dresser, and small desk. Crabbe put her children down for a nap and returned to the basement to retrieve and work on her laptop in the children’s room.
Martin, who was out running errands, received a frantic call from Crabbe, who said she shot Curtis after he cornered her behind her desk when she went downstairs. Martin claims Crabbe told her that Curtis would not let her out of the room and was frantic about the relationship, showing “extreme aggression” in such a way that she felt she was about to die because he relayed that if he couldn’t have her, no one could. Martin immediately called Manassas Police, who arrived shortly after that.
In court testimony, it was revealed police found a knife not belonging to the home on the floor of the basement and two guns in his car parked outside the house. Prosecutor Burke Walker said there was no evidence of a struggle and no evidence that Curtis brandished the knife despite the defense’s claim that he had.
Curtis’s 20-year felony probation precluded him from possessing weapons of any kind. Martin said that he would regularly leave both knives and guns unsecured in the home where his young children could access them, and this is one of the concerns Crabbe listed in her letter to the domestic violence counselor.
Martin said Crabbe is being isolated at the Prince William Adult Detention Center. “She doesn’t even know what day it is. They don’t let her out of her cell. She doesn’t know if it’s day or night. She can hear other inmates but can’t see any of them from her windowless cell. They’ve only allowed her one shower in the nearly 10 days she’s been there” said Martin, who is allowed only two 30-minute visits per week.
Prince William Adult Detention Center officials haven’t responded to requests for comment about Crabbe’s treatment in their facility. With Irving’s ruling, Crabbe will remain held without bond until the conclusion of her trial. A date for that has not been set, but is expected to happen in 2025. Should a new bond hearing not happen, her next appearance is not until November 21.
Domestic Violence Statistics in the Area
Statistics from Stafford and Prince William counties show an alarming rate of Domestic Violence calls for service.
Prince William domestic-related calls for police service have risen year over year, and 2024 looks to continue the upward trend, with 2023 setting a record 31% more calls than 2020. In 2023, nine people were victims of domestic-related murder. So far, in 2024, there have been four.
A similar situation exists in Stafford, where calls are up year over year, with 2023 seeing a more modest 4% increase over 2020. Last year, Stafford had two domestic-related murders, and so far in 2024, only one.
While overall domestic violence calls for service have fallen in Manassas, the Curtis Crabbe homicide is counted as a domestic homicide, the only one on record this year. Speaking to the projected uptick of domestic violence-related crime calls in nearby Manassas Park. However, a body has not been located; Manassas Park officials are considering Mamta Kafle Bhatt, missing since July 2024, as a domestic violence murder.
In an August reporter huddle following the arrest of Kaflle Bhatt’s husband, Naresh, for felony concealment of a dead body, Police Chief Mario Lugo said, “Because of the excessive amount of blood found at her home, we don’t believe she is alive.”
If you think you are a victim of domestic violence, there is help available. In Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park, ACTS offers a 24-hour hotline at 703-221-4951. In Stafford, Empowerhouse has a 24-hour hotline at 540-373-9373.
The National Domestic Violence hotline is staffed 24 hours a day and has 200+ language support, reachable by calling 800-799-7233.
If you are in immediate need of assistance, please call 911.