- [Photo: Alan Gloss]
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 AttorneyWoodbridge 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
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.Prince William County
Man Shot During Argument – Suspect Arrested
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Fatal Hit-and-Run on Richmond Highway
A 53-year-old man was killed Wednesday night in a hit-and-run crash on Richmond Highway near Easy Street.
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Malicious Wounding Arrest in Manassas
On March 14, authorities arrested Eric Yovany MELARA, 34, in connection to a brutal assault that took place on November 28, 2024, outside Columbus Grill in Manassas. The victim, a 27-year-old man, was repeatedly struck and kicked before the suspects fled. The first suspect, Christopher Osbaldo AGUIRRE-ARGUETA, was previously apprehended in January.
Commercial Burglary at Jersey Mike’s
On March 12, a burglary occurred at Jersey Mike’s in Woodbridge around 10:15 PM. The suspect, identified as Tyjaun Cattrell SMITH, 19, entered through an unlocked rear door and stole money from the cash register. He remains at large.
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Fatal Crash Investigation Update
On March 15 at 8:42 PM, Manassas Park Police responded to a single-vehicle crash on Manassas Drive. The vehicle rolled over and struck a residence, killing one occupant. The driver was not wearing a seatbelt, but speed was not a factor. Two passengers suffered minor injuries. No one was inside the home at the time. The investigation is ongoing.
Prince William County:
Armed Robbery – Easy St.
On March 16 at 11:13 PM, a 21-year-old woman was robbed at gunpoint by an acquaintance in her residence. The suspect, Alex Daniel Garcia-Garcia, stole her phone before fleeing. No injuries were reported, and police are searching for the suspect.
Strong-Arm Robbery – Cloverdale Park
On March 16 at 5:52 PM, two juvenile victims were confronted by acquaintances near the basketball courts. An altercation ensued, and a phone was stolen. The phone was later recovered. No injuries were reported.
Armed Robbery – Walgreens, Richmond Hwy.
On March 16 at 10:24 PM, a shoplifter at Walgreens threatened an employee by implying he was armed. The suspect, Dwayne Andre Bolden, was later arrested along with his accomplice, Damien Derek Soto, who fled in a vehicle before crashing into a fence.
Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer – Dale Blvd.
On March 15 at 8:57 PM, a DUI suspect involved in a crash fled before officers arrived. He was later found intoxicated and resisted arrest, pushing an officer. He was arrested and charged.
Residential Burglary – Cressida Pl.
On March 16 at 9:16 AM, an unknown man broke into a residence through an unsecured window while two women waited outside. A rear fence was also damaged, but no property was reported stolen.
Stafford County:
DUI Arrests
Cool Springs Road (3/14, 7:58 PM): A driver with ten empty beer containers was charged with DUI.
Candlestick Drive (3/15, 1:45 AM): A driver admitted to drinking Modelo before driving and was arrested for DUI.
Choptank Road (3/15, 3:35 AM): A crash blamed on an animal was likely caused by tequila. The driver was charged with DUI.
Starbucks, Stafford Market Place (3/15, 11:35 AM): A man was found asleep at the wheel with a nearly empty bottle of alcohol. He was charged with DUI (BAC above .2).
Indecent Exposure – Home Depot
On March 15 at 12:18 AM, a man was caught exposing himself in a disturbing incident witnessed by responding officers. He was issued a summons.
Larceny Incidents
Anytime Fitness (3/14, 10:28 AM): A man stole a gym-goer’s car keys.
Walmart (3/14, 12:04 PM): A shopper’s phone was stolen from the chip aisle.
Weis (3/15, 7:05 PM): A repeat offender shoplifted over $150 worth of merchandise.
Public Intoxication & Disorderly Conduct
Walmart, Washington Square Plaza (3/15, 5:38 PM): Two intoxicated individuals caused a disturbance by knocking items off shelves and ramming shopping carts. One also damaged store shelves.
Hampton Inn (3/15, 10:07 PM): An intoxicated man appeared at a caller’s hotel room and was arrested.
Vandalism – James Madison Circle
On March 15 at 9:30 AM, security cameras captured a juvenile donkey-kicking a door frame before fleeing. He was identified and released to his mother.
Felony Warrant Arrest – Wawa
On March 14 at 10:56 PM, a wanted man was spotted and arrested. A controlled substance was found in his possession.
- [Photo: Alan Gloss]
Snake Stabber Stopped
A pet snake suffered life-threatening injuries after a breaking and entering on Lakeview Drive.
On March 12 at 11 a.m., Stafford deputies responded to a reported burglary in progress. A female suspect was inside the residence armed with scissors and knives. Deputies C.S. Harding and J.L. Jones arrived swiftly and detained Nina Zarin, 21, of Fredericksburg.
During a search, deputies found suspected controlled substances in Zarin’s possession. Further investigation revealed that she unlawfully entered the residence intending to harm a pet snake. While two snakes were unharmed, a four-year-old banana ball python suffered multiple stab wounds, with a knife still lodged in its body.
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Felony Child Neglect & Assault on Law Enforcement
On March 11 at Somerset Pointe Apartments in Gainesville, officers responded to a domestic dispute. Lindsay Jo Halsey, 32, was arrested after leaving three children unsupervised in unsafe conditions. Upon her return, she resisted arrest, assaulting multiple officers and attempting to grab a holstered weapon. She is charged with felony child neglect, assault on law enforcement, and obstruction of justice.
Sexual Assault Investigation
On March 10 at 9:22 PM, police responded to Potomac Mills in Woodbridge, where an unknown man engaged in inappropriate physical contact with an employee. The suspect is described as a Black male with bushy hair, wearing a light-colored sweatshirt, black pants, white Nike shoes, and carrying a grey backpack.
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Looking for ways to make a difference in your community? Check out these volunteer opportunities and get involved.
Help Seniors with Snow Removal
Volunteer Prince William is recruiting snow shovelers, ages 16 and older, to assist senior citizens with clearing sidewalks and driveways after snowstorms. Volunteers under 16 are welcome with a parent or guardian.
- When: As needed through March 31, one to three days after snowfall
- What to bring: Your own shovel and the ability to lift wet, heavy snow
- Impact: Help vulnerable seniors access medical appointments and safely enter their homes
- Sign up: Click here and select "Respond"
- Questions: Email [email protected]
ASL Volunteer Needed for Influential Women Awards
Prince William Living is looking for a volunteer fluent in American Sign Language to assist a deaf nominee during the Influential Women Awards.
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Arrest: Abduction & Strangulation (Domestic) – Woodbridge (March 5, 11:12 PM)
A 39-year-old woman was assaulted and prevented from leaving a room. Mikael Lee Thomason, 42, was arrested and charged with strangulation, abduction, and domestic assault & battery.
Strong-Arm Robbery – Woodbridge (March 6, 1:41 AM)
A 27-year-old woman was robbed after an altercation with Salman Rahman, 29, who took her phone by force before fleeing. An arrest warrant has been issued, but Rahman remains at large.
Abduction & Assault Arrest – Gainesville (March 3)
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A judge on Wednesday agreed with Fredericksburg City Council’s argument that actions taken in closed session to fill the vacant Ward 3 seat constituted an appointment, not an election, and that the closed sessions were appropriate, says FXBG Advance.
