A Prince William County Grand Jury returned an indictment of First Degree Murder and Physically Defiling the body of Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 28, against her husband and Manassas Park resident Naresh Bhatt.

In a Dec. 2 press conference, Manassas Park Police Chief Mario Lugo said, “I feel we have a strong case despite not having a body,” His department has been working closely with prosecutors to develop the case despite Bhatt not cooperating. “Based on the evidence at the crime scene, we knew early on we were dealing with a murder,” Lugo added, “all the evidence points to one person, and that is [Bhatt].”

Bhatt’s body has never been found.

Bhatt, who at the time of his arrest on August 22, 2024, was a contractor with the U.S. Secret Service, has been held without bond since his arrest. During his arraignment on charges of concealing a dead body in August, Assistant Commonwealth Attorney Sarah Sami presented online search history from Bhatt’s Federal Government computer provided by the U.S. Secret Service, where he searched for such phrases as “what happens when wife dead,” and “how long does it take to get married after spouse dies” in the months before her disappearance.

Bhatt is scheduled for a two-week trial beginning December 9, 2024. Still, Prince William County Commonwealth Amy Ashworth said she expects the “cases will be combined and will not likely be scheduled for trial until the fall of 2025.” Bhatt’s December 3 court date, when officials read the charges to the defendant, had to be postponed because no interpreters were available.

Bhatt had been arrested after his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, 28, was reported missing on August 1, 2024, by co-workers after she missed her overnight shift as a nurse at the UVA Health Prince William Medical Center in Manassas. He was initially only charged with concealing a dead body.

Holly Worth, one of Kafle Bhatt’s co-workers, expressed gratitude for the work officials have done to bring Bhatt to justice, “I am pleased that he is being charged [in Kafle Bhatt’s] murder. I want to offer my appreciation for the tireless work that has led to the grand jury indictment.”

Court records show that the Grand Jury charge sheet lists the murder offense date as one day before the offense date for concealing a body, which was the original charge at his arrest. Prosecutors now allege the murder took place on July 29 while the crime of concealing a body occurred on July 30. The new developments show the prosecution has a stronger idea of what transpired between July 27, the day she was last seen, and August 1, the day her co-workers reported her missing.

The date of the offense is essential in the case as co-workers last saw her on July 27, and she posted content to social media late in the afternoon on July 28. Friends say calls and texts to her cell phone went unanswered after that post. Captain Steve Loving of Manassas Park Police said, “We believe we have a strong timeline of what happened in this case,” when asked about the different offense dates.

Several pieces of legislation are in the works in the Virginia General Assembly to address domestic violence in the Commonwealth. Delegate Ian Lovejoy (R-22, Bristow) is proposing a bill to create a domestic violence registry that requires those convicted of domestic violence to be listed in a searchable database available to the public.

If you think you are a victim of domestic violence, there is help available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is staffed 24 hours daily and supports more than 200 languages. Its toll-free number is 800-799-7233.

If you are in immediate need of assistance, please call 911.

Kafle Bhatt Investigation Timeline — Days Missing

– July 27
Last seen by co-workers.
Day -1

– July 28
Last social media post at 5:28 PM. Calls and texts go unanswered after this.
Day 0

– August 1
Fails to report to her shift as a nurse at Prince William UVA Hospital.
Day +4

– August 2
Manassas Park Police Department (MPPD) conducts a welfare check after reports from co-workers but does not speak directly with Kafle Bhatt. Her information is entered into a statewide database.
Day +5

– August 2–5
No apparent action by MPPD.
Days +6–8

– August 5
Bhatt is officially reported missing to MPPD.
Day +8

– August 5–8
Police later claim they were investigating, but no explanation is given for why an alert was not issued to the public.
Days +8–11

– August 8
At 2:52 PM, MPPD alerts the public that Kafle Bhatt is missing and requests tips, despite having opened an official investigation three days earlier.
Day +11

– August 21
Bhatt’s husband is named a person of interest. Crime scene investigators search his home.
Day +24

– August 22
Bhatt’s husband is seen being led away in handcuffs from his home. Their toddler is taken into custody by social services.
Day +25

Press Release:

Greetings, Prince William: It’s All About a Kid and a Toy! Volunteer Prince William’s program Untrim a Tree which provides holiday gifts for local children in Title I schools is in full swing and accepting donor forms! Many thanks and appreciation to everyone who has signed up to sponsor a child – we have just over 600 children who are still waiting on Santa. It’s not too late to help! Please visit https://bit.ly/3QcHLYH to fill out and submit a donor form to sponsor a child. The whole family can participate, and you’ll feel great being part of a program which helps our vulnerable populations have a Happy Christmas! Questions? Please email ut…@volunteerprincewilliam.org.

• Calling All Elves! Volunteer Prince William needs Elf Helpers to help with toy donations for Untrim a Tree December 7-9 at Prince William County Fairgrounds. Duties include greeting donors and assisting with unloading donations from their vehicle, placing senior baskets in their proper area and moving bags of toys from the check-in area to a storage area. Volunteers age 16 and up are needed, volunteers 15 and under are welcome to volunteer with a parent or responsible adult. Be prepared for prolonged standing and lifting of contractor bags which may weigh up to 20 pounds. Put on your elf hat or reindeer antlers and join in the fun! Please visit https://bit.ly/3Z9ARrn to register, email jhaw…@volunteerprincewilliam.org to learn more.
• Volunteer Prince William also needs volunteers the morning of December 10 to deliver Senior Baskets and Gift Bags to the two senior centers in Manassas and Woodbridge. Volunteers will meet at the Prince William County Fairgrounds, load up the baskets/bags and transport them to the appropriate senior center. Just a couple of hours will do much to bring joy to a local homebound senior citizen! Please visit https://bit.ly/3CASs2P to sign up and learn more. Questions? Please email jhaw…@volunteerprincewilliam.org.
• If you love helping others learn, we have a wonderful opportunity for you! BEACON for English Language and Literacy has an urgent need for 8-13 volunteers to teach adult ESOL students for their upcoming Winter session which begins December 3. No teaching or language experience is required, and training is provided. Please visit https://forms.gle/SUuHnLLdfE5HUC3N7 to sign up for an orientation session or contact Seth at 571.428.2524, email smaz…@osbva.org.
• You can make a difference in the life of a child! CASA CIS needs volunteers age 21+ who care about children growing up in a safe, permanent and loving home. The staff will hold their next Virtual Information Session on December 3, 6pm-7pm. Learn how you can help protect abused and neglected children in your community by becoming a volunteer advocate. Please email jpo…@casacis.org or call 703.330.8145 to receive the link to the meeting or to inquire about alternate dates.
• You can help Manassas City families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal! Light of Life Church is hosting a City of Manassas Friendsgiving Outreach to benefit vulnerable families in the city. The event will be held November 27, beginning at 10am at Metz Middle School, 9950 Wellington Road in Manassas. Volunteers are needed to help set up, serve food, hand out coats/personal hygiene products/diapers, etc. and break down/clean up. It’s a wonderful way to get into the spirit of Thanksgiving by helping our less fortunate neighbors! Please sign up for this meaningful event at https://lolc.breezechms.com/form/friendsgiving.
• Ho Ho Ho! Get into the holiday spirit by volunteering for Santa Lights Manassas on December 6 and the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade December 7 in Old Town Manassas! These events would not be possible without the support of over 300 volunteers which let them spread holiday cheer to the community! Volunteers can still help stage the participants, answer spectator questions and keep everyone safe so they can enjoy the parade and the tree lighting. What better way to enjoy the Christmas holidays? Please visit https://elevationleads.net/gmcpvolunteer/ to sign up and ask any questions.
• Calling all Rembrandts and Picassos! The City of Manassas Animal Shelter is looking for Volunteer Artists to do some murals on their walls which will brighten up the place for two-legged and four-legged friends alike! Please email animal…@manassasva.gov or call 703.257.2420 to learn how you can help.
• The wonderful staff at House of Mercy need volunteer Elves to support their Christmas with Mercy program beginning December 3. Preparation help is needed December 3 thru 6 and again December 9 thru 12. Then, help is needed December 13 and 14 to assist clients with “shopping” for their families. Volunteers age 16+ are welcome, volunteers age 12-15 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian. All sorts of fun jobs are available, and you’ll get into the holiday spirit as you help provide vulnerable families with a wonderful Christmas! Please visit https://bit.ly/4fyY5gq for more information and to register, email kjoh…@houseofmercyva.org for more information.
• The “Power of A Knock” can help a homebound senior get nutritious meals! Meals on Wheels urgently needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens on weekday mornings. Volunteers must pass a criminal and driving record background check. Routes take about 1.5 hours to complete, training is provided. You’ll feel great when you find out how inspiring it is to serve this vulnerable population and make their day! Please visit www.pwcva.gov/department/area-agency-aging/volunteer for more information and forms. Please email tsol…@pwcgov.org or call 703.792.4583 to learn more.
• Is your office, club, Scout troop or service group looking for a volunteer opportunity? Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries has opened their hypothermia shelter located at 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge and groups are needed to prepare and drop off meals for 30 adult residents through March 30, 2025. Meals are needed each night and should be prepared off-site and dropped off at the shelter between 6:30pm-7pm. Your group will provide comfort for the homeless with a hot, nourishing meal they can enjoy during the cold winter months! Please visit https://bit.ly/3XXR5SR to sign up and get more information, email thermal…@thestreetlight.org or call 571.677.2883 to learn more.
• If you want to get firsthand experience working directly with the homeless, here’s a perfect opportunity! Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries needs volunteers age 25+ to assist staff at their hypothermia shelter, 14716 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge. Two volunteers are needed each evening through March 31, 2025, 6pm-10pm. Duties include assisting with preparing and serving dinner, passing out supplies as needed and light set-up and/or clean-up. You’ll feel great knowing you are providing this vulnerable population with a way to get out of the cold for a hot meal and a warm place to sleep! Please visit https://signup.com/go/uxArBJd to sign up, email gti…@thestreetlight.org for more information.

If you are looking for other opportunities, please don’t forget to call our wonderful team at Volunteer Prince William at 703.369.5292. You can also visit our website at www.volunteerprincewilliam.org. Thanks so much for all you do in our community.

Manassas Park is set to begin a new chapter in its leadership by hiring Carl Cole as its new City Manager. Cole, who will assume his role on January 13, 2025, brings over 25 years of public sector experience, including significant leadership roles in city management and law enforcement.

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Authorities have launched an investigation following a report of a sexual assault that occurred earlier this school year at Osbourn Park High School.

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The Prince William County Fire & Rescue department has begun collecting toys for the annual Toys for Tots drive for the 2024 holiday season.

Toys for Tots, a national charity program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, collects and distributes toys to less fortunate children across the country during the traditional Christmas season.

New and unwrapped toys will be accepted at the following locations through Dec. 24 (Christmas Eve):

• Prince William County fire stations
• City of Manassas Park fire stations
• City of Manassas fire stations
• Prince William County Public Safety Training Center (Nokesville)
• McCoart Government Center (Woodbridge)

All toys that are collected will be delivered to the Toys for Tots collection site for processing and delivery to organizations who have already requested toys. Fire stations cannot deliver toys directly to local residents.

Clothes and used toys cannot be accepted, but can be donated to churches and shelters in the community.

The program was started in 1947 in California by Maj. William L. Hendricks, who was inspired by his wife’s efforts to donate a doll to a child in need, but couldn’t find an organization to do so. Maj. Hendricks gathered his fellow Marine reservists to coordinate and collect toys for children.

Hendricks asked for the help of his friend, Walt Disney, to design a poster for the national campaign; the same logo has remained to this day.

Volunteer Prince William has several opportunities through the holidays and into 2025, so make sure to check them out below.

Greetings, Prince William: It’s All About a Kid and a Toy! Volunteer Prince William’s program Untrim a Tree which provides holiday gifts for local children in Title I schools is now live and accepting donor forms!  While we’ve been able to get kids sponsored, we still have over 1,300 children who are still waiting on Santa, so your help is still needed!  The online donor form is available to sponsor a child or donate a Senior Basket; please visit our website to fill out and submit a form. The whole family can participate, and you’ll feel great being part of a program which helps so many of our vulnerable children have a happy Christmas! Volunteers will also be needed Dec. 7-10 to help sort/organize toys and deliver Senior Baskets.

• You can help vulnerable families have a holiday meal for Thanksgiving!  ACTS’ Share the Bounty distribution needs volunteers to help with sorting donations and assembling the Share the Bounty bags during November. This will take place in their Food Donation Center, 17958 Dr. David Cline Drive, Dumfries, Monday through Thursday. Volunteer hours are flexible between 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  You’ll feel great knowing your giving spirit will help food-insecure families have a Happy Thanksgiving!

• If you love helping others learn, we have a wonderful opportunity for you! BEACON for English Language and Literacy is recruiting volunteers to teach adult ESOL students for their upcoming Winter session which runs from Dec. 2 to Feb. 27.  No teaching or language experience is required, and training is provided.  To learn more, please sign up for a virtual information session at Info session sign-up or contact Seth at 571-428-2524.

• Brain Injury Services (BIS) has an ongoing need for volunteers to be PALS (Providing a Link for Survivors) for survivors of brain injury.  This is a one-to-one friendship program for brain injury survivors; the program connects BIS clients with volunteers who can help them socialize in the community and rebuild social skills through friendship. Once a month outings for coffee, walks, chess, lunch and more can help a client get their life back on track following such a traumatic occurrence! Please visit their website for more information.

• You can help Manassas City families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal! Light of Life Church is hosting a City of Manassas Friendsgiving Outreach to benefit vulnerable families in the city. The event will be held at Metz Middle School, 9950 Wellington Road in Manassas. Volunteers are needed to help set up; serve food; hand out coats, personal hygiene products, diapers; and break down/clean up.  It’s a wonderful way to get into the spirit of Thanksgiving by helping our less fortunate neighbors! Please sign up for this meaningful event on their website.

• Ho Ho Ho! Get into the holiday spirit by volunteering for Santa Lights Manassas on Dec. 6 and the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Dec. 7 in Old Town Manassas!  These events would not be possible without the support of over 300 volunteers which let them spread holiday cheer to the community! Volunteers are needed to help stage the participants, answer spectator questions and keep everyone safe so they can enjoy the parade and the tree lighting.  What better way to enjoy the Christmas holidays? Please visit this website to sign up and ask any questions.

• Calling all Rembrandts and Picassos! The City of Manassas Animal Shelter is looking for Volunteer Artists to do some murals on their walls which will brighten up the place for two-legged and four-legged friends alike!

• The “Power of A Knock” can help a homebound senior get nutritious meals! Meals on Wheels urgently needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens on weekday mornings. Volunteers must pass a criminal and driving record background check.  Routes take about 1.5 hours to complete, training is provided. You’ll feel great when you find out how inspiring it is to serve this vulnerable population and make their day! Please visit this website for more information and forms.

• The hard-working staff at Prince William County Community Foundation needs volunteers to support their Thanksgiving Food Drive to provide those in need with a holiday meal! Volunteers are needed to pack food boxes on Nov. 20, from 6 to 9 p.m. and load food boxes on Nov. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Motiv8 Church, 14654 Joplin Road, Manassas. Volunteers are also needed to hand out food boxes on Nov. 23 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 17965 Dumfries Shopping Center in Dumfries.  Your help will bring holiday cheer to hundreds of local families dealing with food insecurity! Please email [email protected] to sign up.

• Is your office, club, Scout troop or service group looking for a volunteer opportunity? Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries has opened their hypothermia shelter located at 14716 Potomac Mills Road in Woodbridge and groups are needed to prepare and drop off meals for 30 adult residents through March 30, 2025.  Meals are needed each night and should be prepared off-site and dropped off at the shelter between 6:30 and 7 p.m. Your group will provide comfort for the homeless with a hot, nourishing meal they can enjoy during the cold winter months! Please visit Meal Train’s website to sign up and get more information.

• If you want to get firsthand experience working directly with the homeless, here’s a perfect opportunity!  Streetlight Community Outreach Ministries needs volunteers age 25+ to assist staff at their hypothermia shelter, 14716 Potomac Mills Road, Woodbridge.  Two volunteers are needed each evening through March 31, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m.  Duties include assisting with preparing and serving dinner, passing out supplies as needed and light set-up and/or clean-up.  You’ll feel great knowing you are providing this vulnerable population with a way to get out of the cold for a hot meal and a warm place to sleep! Please visit the sign-up website to sign up.

From The Stafford County Sheriff’s Department:

An 18-year-old Manassas Park man was arrested after an assault and robbery at gunpoint that took place late last week.

On November 14th at approximately 12:56 a.m. Deputy R.A. Kehoe responded to Shasta Place for a previously occurred robbery. It was advised a male and female were robbed at gunpoint and the male victim had to be taken to the hospital due to his injuries during the incident. Deputy Kehoe would make contact with the victims to discover what occurred.

It was advised the day prior, shortly after 6:30 p.m., both victims made plans to meet with a male they only knew as “Semaij”. “Semaij” would arrive with an unknown male and ask if the victims “had anything.” The unknown male would produce a firearm and rob the female victim of her cash as “Semaij” began searching the male victim. Both victims would attempt to flee the area when the unknown male assaulted the female victim. “Semaij” would also produce a firearm and use it to strike the male victim. Both suspects would then flee the area in a red sedan. The female victim did not sustain any injuries while the male victim was treated for facial injuries.

Detectives in the Major Crimes Unit were assigned the case and were able to identify “Semaij” as Semaj Parham. Detectives, with the assistance of the Manassas Park Police Department, were able to take Parham into custody on November 15th. During a search warrant of his residence, detectives located two firearms.

Parham was charged with robbery, using a firearm in commission of a felony, malicious wounding by mob, aggravated malicious wounding, conspiracy, as well as, assault and battery. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Detectives are continuing their efforts to identify the second suspect. The second suspect was described as a light skin male who is approximately six feet tall. The investigation is ongoing.

Prince William County’s Office of Housing and Community Development (OHCD) is now conducting its Housing and Community Needs Survey to gather resident perspectives on these needs.

Because the county, the City of Manassas and Manassas Park receive $3 million in federal funds from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the county is administering this survey to best determine where the highest needs are in the community.

Some of the questions on the form are:

• In your opinion, what type of housing is needed?
• What type of public improvements are needed?
• What public service needs do you see in your community?
• What groups of people have the most need?
• What types of community facilities are needed?
• What types of needs are in your community for people experiencing or at risk-of homelessness?

Joan Duckett, the director of OHCD, emphasized the importance of community input.

“Hearing directly from residents provides us with valuable guidance on how to prioritize and direct our resources. Community feedback is essential to shaping programs that meet the unique needs of our area, and it allows us to make informed decisions that support a stronger, more resilient community,” Duckett said.

There is an opportunity to participate in a work group to discuss further the housing and community needs. Responses are kept anonymous.

Click here to be taken to the form.

We’re getting our first look at Christmastime events in and around Manassas, and it’s shaping up to be a season full of festive fun for the whole family.

Manassas City has a lineup of holiday happenings in early December. On Friday night, December 6, at 5:15 p.m., the city will light up with Santa Lights Manassas. Santa will arrive to bring holiday cheer and officially kick off the season with the lighting ceremony. The celebrations continue with the 78th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7, at 10 a.m. This year’s theme, Christmas in Candyland, promises a delightful parade filled with sweet surprises, from colorful floats to festive marching bands.

If you want to get some winter fun on the ice, Harris Pavilion in Manassas will transform into an ice skating rink from November 15, 2024, through January 5, 2025. Visitors can enjoy skating under the winter sky, with all the details on times, costs, and skate rentals available on the Manassas City Parks, Culture & Recreation website. For those looking to make it a private affair, the pavilion offers one-hour private ice skating sessions for groups of up to 20, perfect for family get-togethers or office holiday parties.

Manassas Park is also joining in the festivities with their Light Parade & Viewing Party on Saturday, December 7, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Manassas Drive & Park Central Plaza. The event will feature a light parade, tree lighting, food trucks, a holiday movie, and even a chance to grab a photo with Santa. It’s a great way for the community to come together and enjoy a night of holiday lights and cheer. For more information, you can check out mpdpr.com/mplightparade.

In Nokesville, two cherished holiday traditions are back. The Nokesville Tree Lighting kicks things off on Friday, November 29, at 6 p.m. at 12923 Fitzwater Drive. Bring the family out to meet the Claus family, enjoy caroling, and soak up the holiday spirit. Then, on Saturday, December 14, at 4 PM, Santa will make a special return for the annual Nokesville Christmas Parade. With Santa riding on a holiday-themed float and community participants adding to the cheer, this parade will light up the season. Miller Toyota and Prince William County F.U.N sponsor both events.