Prince William County

Gang Members Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Jailhouse Assault

Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth announced the successful prosecution of Bryan Hernandez Diaz and Jaime Garcia Mendoza following a gang-related assault on July 24, 2023, at the Prince William County Adult Detention Center in Manassas. Both men pleaded guilty to Malicious Wounding charges. Hernandez Diaz was sentenced to 10 years in prison on September 26, 2024, by Judge Robert P. Coleman. Mendoza received the same sentence on March 20, 2025, from Judge Tracey C. Hudson. Both were already in custody for unrelated violent felonies at the time of the attack and will serve probation upon release. The assault occurred inside Unit 13 Cell 1 when jail officers heard a cry for help. The victim was found bleeding heavily with multiple lacerations and puncture wounds consistent with sharp weapons, including a puncture wound to the chest. He told officers the attackers, including Diaz and Mendoza, declared intentions to kill him and believed he was affiliated with a rival gang to La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). Officers discovered bloody clothing in Diaz’s cell and a four-inch bloodied nail lodged in the toilet drain. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Alex Brandler, with Detective Casey Nelsen serving as the case agent. Celina Cary and Elena Latham from the Victim Witness unit also assisted. “We will continue to focus our office’s resources on prosecuting those that commit violent acts, especially gang violence,” said Ashworth. Source: The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney

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Woodbridge Teen Convicted of 2022 Homicide

A jury in Prince William County found Elijah Hadley, 19, guilty of first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and gang participation for the July 2022 shooting death of Brian D. Marshall II in Woodbridge. The verdict was reached on March 21, 2025. Sentencing is scheduled for June 5, 2025. Marshall was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his abdomen, arms, and legs. Investigators obtained Ring camera footage showing two masked individuals approaching the scene, opening fire, and fleeing. Weeks later, Hadley was arrested on an unrelated charge. A firearm found in his possession was confirmed through forensic testing to have been used in the homicide. His DNA was also found on shell casings at the scene, and clothing matching the shooters' attire was recovered from his home. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorneys Kathleen Bilton and Zoe Bair, and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Brandon Parker.

“The evidence in this case was initially too weak to proceed to justice... I am proud of, and appreciate, all of the hard work by the prosecutors and police officers that contributed to bringing this case to justice,” said Ashworth.

Victim Witness Director Tamara Thomas and Case Manager Celina Cary provided support to the victim’s family. Detectives S. Davis and D. Cupka were credited for their investigative work. Source: The Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney

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Spotsylvania County

Man Arrested in Child Pornography Investigation

On March 10, 2025, the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) unit received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding an online account allegedly used to upload and store child sexual abuse material. A search warrant was executed at the home of 28-year-old Bryson Jeleniewski in Spotsylvania County. Authorities seized multiple electronic devices. Jeleniewski was arrested and charged with two counts of 18.2-374.1:1(A) — possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography. He was remanded to the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is part of the NOVA-DC Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, a nationwide network that supports local and state investigations into online child exploitation. Community members are urged to report suspected child abuse to the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office, the Virginia CPS State Hotline, or NCMEC at https://report.cybertip.org or 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Anonymous tips can be submitted through www.p3tips.com or the P3Tips app.

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Prince William County

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Authorities in Stafford and Spotsylvania counties are investigating two separate incidents that resulted in tragic deaths, leaving both communities seeking answers.

Stafford Authorities ID Good Samaritan Killed
In Stafford County, officials have identified the man fatally shot during an altercation involving an off-duty FBI agent. Harold Chamberlain, Jr., 61, of Stafford was killed on February 28, 2025, after attempting to assist deputies in a physical struggle with individuals during a traffic stop in the Stratford Place subdivision.

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The Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in gathering information regarding the double homicide that took place on January 25, 2025, on Heatherwood Drive.

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A suspect in a bank robbery on Route 3 was arrested thanks to a tip leading authorities to a Fredericksburg hotel.

According to the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, the robbery occurred at Truist Bank, located at 3600 Plank Road, next to Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. A bank employee called 911 to report that a man had entered the bank and demanded money. The employee complied with the demands, and the suspect fled with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Authorities confirmed that the suspect did not display a weapon during the robbery, and no injuries were reported. Witnesses at the scene provided law enforcement with a description of the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which was identified as a copper/orange pickup truck.

Later that evening, a tip was received by the Sheriff’s Office, prompting an investigation by the Street Crimes Unit (SCU). The investigation led deputies to a hotel in Fredericksburg, where they located and arrested the suspect with help from the Fredericksburg Police Department.

Lemar Gerald Dawson, 45, of Locust Grove, is charged with robbery and has been remanded to the Rappahannock Regional Jail.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any of the stolen money was recovered. The case remains under investigation.

Authorities have released additional details regarding the homicide of 61-year-old Charles Childress and 59-year-old Kimberly Newcomb, whose bodies were discovered on January 25, 2025, at a residence in the 10800 block of Heatherwood Drive.

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.

Prince William County police are investigating an attempted sexual assault that occurred on Tuesday, December 10, at Nokesville Community Park, 12560 Aden Road, near Manassas. A woman was walking along a trail near Hickerson Lane around 9 a.m. when she was approached by a masked man who attempted to assault her. The victim fought back, and the suspect fled after a struggle. Another park visitor assisted the victim in contacting the police.

She was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Detectives have released a composite sketch of the suspect, described as a white or light-skinned male, approximately 5’9″, with an average build, brown eyes, and dark bushy eyebrows. He was last seen wearing dark clothing, including a long-sleeve dry-wicking shirt, sweatpants, and a ski mask exposing only his eyes.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them as the investigation continues.

Also, in Prince William County

• On December 11 at 9:06 PM, officers responded to Linton Hall Road near Devlin Road in Gainesville to investigate a road rage incident. A 27-year-old man reported that another driver brandished a firearm during the encounter before the parties separated. No shots were fired, and no injuries were reported. Officers are working to identify a potential suspect.
• On December 10 at 1:35 PM, officers investigated a road rage incident on Legend Glen Drive in Gainesville. A 41-year-old man stated that while stopped at a stop sign, another driver brandished a firearm before the parties separated. There were no shots fired, and no injuries were reported. Officers are following up on a potential suspect.
• On December 11 at 8:17 AM, officers responded to Anderson Court and Arkendale Street in Woodbridge for a report of indecent exposure. A 23-year-old woman reported seeing an unknown man expose himself and make inappropriate gestures while she was driving. The suspect, described as a Black male in his early to mid-30s, was not located.
• Later that morning, at 9:57 AM, the School Resource Officer at Patriot High School in Nokesville was notified of vandalism. Investigators discovered a swastika and other inappropriate images drawn on a classroom partition. The drawings did not contain any threats to students or staff, and no additional markings were reported.

Sheriff’s Office Names Suspect in Spotsylvania Shooting, Still at Large

The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office has identified Jahvel Antonio Littleford, 18, of Spotsylvania as the suspect in a shooting that left a 22-year-old woman critically injured on December 4, 2024. Authorities have issued warrants for Littleford, who remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.

Deputies responded to the 8100 block of Cherry Tree Drive around 7 p.m. on the night of the shooting and found the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was given immediate medical attention and transported to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition at last report.

The Sheriff’s Office has stated the incident does not appear to be random and urges anyone with information to call 800-928-5822 or 540-582-5822. Littleford is wanted for malicious wounding, use of a firearm in a felony, and vandalism.

Manassas police search for runaway

*Missing Juvenile* (1/2)

We are asking the public’s assistance in locating Consuelo Marisol Toruno Carcamo. She is a 15 year old Hispanic female, black hair, brown eyes, 5’3″ tall, and slender build. She was last seen in class at Osbourn High School. pic.twitter.com/VxqhPDrr8W

— Manassas City Police (@ManassasCityPD) December 12, 2024

Intoxicated Stafford Teen Arrested for Assault and Alcohol Violations

A 19-year-old Stafford man was arrested Wednesday, December 11, 2024, after a concerned citizen reported an assault in the Lake Carroll community near Fredericksburg. Deputies responded to Lake Shore Drive about 6:30 p.m., where the caller had observed a man assaulting a juvenile female.

Deputy S.C. Steinway located the pair and recognized them from a prior incident. Both showed signs of intoxication, though the male denied drinking. A search revealed he had four bottles of Fireball whiskey.

Ricardo Castro Ramirez is charged with assault and battery, public intoxication, unlawful possession of alcohol, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He is held on a $1,000 secured bond at the Rappahannock Regional Jail. The juvenile was returned to her home, where her mother assured deputies she would face strict consequences, said police.

The sheriff’s office would not provide the victim’s age.

Also, in Stafford County:

• Truslow Road, 12/11, 2:17 a.m.
  Sergeant J.T. Forman and Deputy I.E. Baldi responded to an automatic crash notification. Upon arrival, they found a Toyota and its driver, who admitted to taking a turn “too fast.” During the interaction, deputies observed signs of intoxication. The driver admitted to consuming two beers before driving and revealed a bottle of alcohol hidden in the bottom of his pant leg. He was charged with driving under the influence and held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
• Quarry Road, 12/11, 5:43 p.m.
  Deputy J.J. Holetzky responded to a single-vehicle auto accident involving a minivan that had crashed off the roadway. The driver showed signs of intoxication and admitted to consuming a tall beer before heading to a job interview at a winery. Although the outcome of her interview is unknown, she may be late to her first day. The driver was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content above .2 and reckless driving. She was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
• 7-Eleven, 2998 Richmond Highway, 12/11, 9:37 p.m.
  Deputy K.F. Bierfeldt responded to a report of an unknown problem. A caller reported a man slumped over the steering wheel of a Ford. Upon contact, the driver showed strong signs of intoxication and initially admitted to consuming “six to seven” alcoholic drinks, later changing his story to “six to seven waters.” The driver was found to have a suspended license and no insurance. He was charged with driving under the influence with a blood alcohol content between .15 and .2, driving with a suspended license, and driving without insurance. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail until sober.
• Fraud — Overlook Court, 12/11, 7:13 p.m.
  Deputy K.P. Hall responded to a fraud report. The victim explained she had received a popup ad on her computer from someone claiming to represent McAfee Antivirus. She called the provided number, allowing the suspect to remotely access her computer and banking information.
• Larceny — Target, 1090 Stafford Market Place, 12/11, 12:42 p.m.Deputy J.S. Torres responded to a shoplifting in progress. Staff reported a female suspect stuffing her bag with merchandise. After stopping at Starbucks, the suspect attempted to leave but was intercepted by Deputy Torres. Over $220 worth of items were recovered. The suspect was charged with shoplifting and released on personal recognizance.

On Wednesday, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a shooting of a 22-year-old female on the 8100 block of Cherry Tree Drive around 7 p.m.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived on the scene to find the female suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and, according to a release from the Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, provided “immediate medical attention.” Fire and Rescue transported the female to a nearby hospital, where she remains in critical but stable condition.

The case is currently being investigated and does not appear to be a random act of violence, according to the Thursday release. Those with information can contact the Sheriff’s Office by calling 800-928-5822 or 540-582-5822 and visiting them online.

The Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office arrested Ashley Kriesten following a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding suspected child sexual abuse material. Investigators executed a search warrant at Kriesten’s residence, seizing electronic devices, and charging her with multiple counts of child pornography possession, distribution, and aggravated sexual battery. The investigation is part of the office’s collaboration with the NOVA-DC Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce.

Spotsylvania County Sheriff:

On November 18, 2024, the Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office Child Victim Unit members received an online cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding an online account where images of child sexual abuse were being uploaded, stored, and the potential sharing of these images.  NCMEC works with families, victims, private industry, law enforcement, and the public to assist with preventing child abductions, recovering missing children, and providing services to deter and combat child sexual exploitation.

After conducting an investigation and reviewing the reported items, a search warrant was obtained on the residence of Ashley Kriesten, 9600 block of Leaf Lane, Spotsylvania County. Multiple electric devices were seized during the search warrant.  Ashley Kriesten, was arrested and charged with five counts of 18.2-374.1:1(A) Possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography, five counts of 18.2-374.1:1.(C) Possession, reproduction, distribution, solicitation, and facilitation of child pornography, and two counts of 18.2-67.3(A1) Aggravated Sexual Battery.

The identity and relationship of the juveniles are being withheld for their protection.

Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office is a member of the NOVA-DC Internet Crimes Against Children Virginia State Police Taskforce (NOVA-DC ICAC). ICAC which is a national network of law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies that helps state and local agencies respond to online child exploitation of other crimes.

If you believe a child is being abused, please contact the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office at the numbers below, the Spotsylvania County Department of Social Services at 540-507-7898, Virginia CPS State Hotline at (804) 786-8536/Out-of-state: (800) 552-7096, or The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) https://report.cybertip.org or 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

On November 12, a suspect committed multiple robberies at convenience stores in the area, displaying a handgun and fleeing with money from each location. The suspect was later identified and charged with armed robbery and firearm-related offenses, and is being held in jail pending further investigation.

Press Release from Spotsylvania Sheriff’s Office:

On November 12th at approximately 11:30 PM, a robbery was reported at the 7-11 located at 10359 Patriot Hwy, Spotsylvania. The employee reported a black male entered the store displaying a handgun and demanded money. The employee complied with his demands. The suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. While deputies were on scene investigating this robbery, Emergency Communications received a 911 call at 12:30 AM from another 7-11 located at 5900 Harrison Road reporting a robbery. The employee at his location reported that a black male entered the store, displayed a handgun, and demanded money. The employee also complied with his demands. The suspect fled the scene on foot.

Shortly after, the Fredericksburg Police Department reported a robbery at another convenience store within their jurisdiction. The suspect matched the same description as the two robberies in Spotsylvania County.

Marquis Harrell was seen at the 7-11 located at 25 Soloman Drive in Stafford County some point after the robbery in the City of Fredericksburg. Harrell was developed as a suspect in the multi-jurisdictional robberies. For the robberies in Spotsylvania County, Harrell was charged with Brandishing a firearm, Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Use of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and Armed robbery. Harrell has been held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail with no bond. Additional charges may be sought as the investigation continues.