Authorities have released the names of the victims in a tragic house fire that occurred in the early hours of October 4, 2024, in Montclair. Prince William County Police confirmed the deaths of three individuals, all members of the same family.
The deceased were identified as:
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From Prince William fire and rescue:
3 p.m. update -- Three (3) victims have been found deceased inside the structure. Due to the extent of their injuries the Medical Examiner’s Office will need to identify the victims and conduct autopsies. No further information is available on the victims.
This scene is very active requiring an in-depth investigation to determine the events that lead up to this tragedy. The exact cause is under investigation. This has become a joint investigation with the County Police Department since the deaths were unattended. Due to the severity of the fire, the ATF will be assisting.
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Updated 1 p.m. — Police have arrested the suspect they said jumped into a man’s car while he was standing outside, stole it, and then ran him over, killing him.
Press release:
Felony Murder| Felony Hit & Run *ARREST – On July 26, investigators were notified that the accused sought in connection to the fatal hit & run crash that occurred in the parking lot of the Oasis at Montclair Apartment complex located in the 16400 block of Stedham Cl. in Dumfries (22025) on July 20, was arrested by Virginia Beach City police. The investigation revealed the accused was attempting to steal the victim’s vehicle when the victim was struck causing fatal injuries. At this time, there is no known connection between the victim and the accused. No other suspects are being sought in the investigation.
Arrested on July 26: [No photo available]
Keith Anthony MCBRIDE, 41, of the 7600 block of Helmsdale Pl in Manassas
Charged with felony murder, felony hit & run, and grand larceny auto
Court Date: Pending | Status: In-Custody
Two people were displaced from a home in Montclair after a candle torched a mattress.
Fire and rescue crews were called to the 15200 block of Larkspur Lane at 11:43 p.m. Sunday, March 24, 2024, for a reported house fire.
Crews learned about the candle igniting a mattress and found heavy smoke conditions on the second floor. The two occupants had safely evacuated the home.
The fire was located and extinguished. No injuries were reported. The Building Official declared the structure was unsafe to occupy. T
The Red Cross assisted the two displaced adults.
The Prince William County fire marshal says allowing an open flame near combustible material is dangerous.
The Fire Marshal’s Office warns against using candles. If candles are used, special precautions should be taken.
He added, never leave a burning candle unattended. Never position a candle where it can be easily disturbed or knocked over.
Keep the candle at least 3’ from any combustible material. Ensure the candle is secured in a sturdy holder that contains and protects the flame. Children and pets should always be monitored near any burning candle.
“Law enforcement officials and advocates are raising the alarm about what they believe to be the prevalence of human trafficking in Prince William County,” reports Ben Peters at Insidenova.com. “County and nonprofit leaders gathered Thursday night at Montclair Country Club to spread awareness at a forum hosted by the Prince William Committee of 100.”
In an upcoming event scheduled for Thursday, January 18, at the Montclair Golf Club, the Prince William Committee of 100 is set to tackle the issue of human trafficking, shedding light on an often overlooked concern in the affluent suburbs of Northern Virginia.
Bel O’Neill, president of the committee, said the committee’s decision to focus on human trafficking coincided with National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. While initially unaware of the national event, the alignment added importance to the local initiative, she added.
A panel comprising experts such as Wesley Dawson, director of the office of community safety in Prince William County, Detective Abigail McLaughlin, with Prince William police special victims unit, and representatives from ACTS and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of human trafficking.
O’Neill emphasized the importance of bringing professionals from various agencies together to address the issue comprehensively.
The median annual household income in Prince William County is $123,000, $48,400 higher than the national median income.
Considering the stereotype that human trafficking is not associated with affluent neighborhoods, O’Neill emphasized the committee’s commitment to bringing attention to lesser-known issues affecting the community.
The goal is not only to discuss the problem but also to highlight available resources and agencies. O’Neill added that the meeting aims to allow the audience to determine the issue’s significance.
The event, hosted at Montclair Golf Club, follows a dinner program meeting format. Attendees can interact with speakers during the meal and participate in a question-and-answer session at the end of the presentation. O’Neill described it as a chance for community members to connect with experts and delve deeper into the subject.
While the dinner meeting costs $35 for members and $40 for non-members or guests, reservations are encouraged. Observer-only seats are also available on a first-come, first-served basis for those unable to attend the dinner. The doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the panel discussion begins at 7:30 p.m.
The Prince William Committee of 100, a civic nonprofit organization, has existed for 35 years. The group holds community conversations about local matters affecting those who live and work in the county, Manassas, and Manassas Park cities at various locations in the county and cities.
O’Neill mentioned that the committee strives for 100 members, having 42 for the current program year. Membership, costing $40 annually, offers benefits supporting the committee’s mission.
O’Neill encouraged interested individuals to join by attending a meeting, filling out a membership form at the check-in table, or contacting the committee via email. Membership information is also available on the committee’s website.
The Montclair Golf Club is at 16500 Edgewood Drive in Montclair.
Prince William police reported the following incidents:
“Shooting Investigation – On December 26 at 5:07PM, officers responded to The Landings at Markhams Grant Apartments located in the 15700 block of Tassia Ln in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed a 22-year-old man was shot inside a vehicle while in the parking lot of the complex. Officers arrived and provided first-aid to the man who was treated at an area hospital with serious injuries. The investigation continues.”
“Shooting Investigation | Hit & Run – On December 24 at 12:38AM, officers responded to the 13600 block of Kingsman Rd in Woodbridge (22193) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22- year-old man, exited his home after hearing his car alarm sound and observed the window to his vehicle smashed. The victim then confronted a possible suspect walking down Kingsman Rd who turned and shot towards the victim. The victim then returned to his vehicle and attempted to locate the suspect before his vehicle was struck from the opposite direction by the driver of another vehicle, later determined to be the same suspect. The suspect then exited the vehicle and shot towards the victim’s vehicle multiple times before fleeing the area. Officers located the suspect vehicle unoccupied nearby and determined it was previously reported stolen on December 15. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspect who was not located. No injuries were reported. The suspect was only described as a black or Hispanic male with a heavy build wearing dark-colored clothing.”
“Armed Robbery – On December 26 at 3:15AM, officers responded to the 7-Eleven located at 16170 Country Club Dr in Dumfries (22025) to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed a man and woman walked behind the counter and pushed an employee to the ground before taking an unknown quantity of lottery tickets and fleeing. The employee reportedly observed a firearm during the incident. Minor injuries were reported, and no shots were fired. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspects who were not located. The suspects were only described as a tall black male with a thin build and a short black female with a heavy build, both wearing dark-colored clothing.”
OmniRide’s Service Change will take effect on Monday, December 11. The organization will add three new routes from Fredericksburg to North Stafford using the I-95 E-ZPass Express Lanes extension.
OmniRide will add Stafford to the State Department and Spotsylvania and Falmouth routes to the Pentagon and destinations in D.C.
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Press release: “The Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PWCAC-DST) will host its 14th Annual Red Carpet Showcase on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at the Montclair Country Club, located at 16500 Edgewood Drive in Montclair, VA.”
“This is a free, public event to encourage literacy and exposure to the arts while providing an opportunity for emerging artists, authors, and musicians to showcase their talents to the community.”
“This year’s program will feature five participants–two from the Prince William County/Manassas area and three from the greater Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Region.”