Sentara Health has announced a technology rollout to enhance clinician-patient interactions across its network. All 12 hospitals, including Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center (SNVMC) in Woodbridge, have nearly 6,000 specialized smartphones designed to improve workflow and patient safety.
These devices are engineered to consolidate multiple tools—walkie-talkies, basic phones, pagers, and computer carts—into one device, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care and less on juggling equipment.
Christy Grabus, SNVMC’s chief nursing officer, emphasized the positive impact of this integration. “This phone improves workflow and patient safety,” Grabus said in a press release. “All of this helps us prioritize and spend more time at the bedside with our patients.”
The smartphones are expected to speed up emergency admissions, shorten hospital stays, and hasten nurse response times. Furthermore, the phones aim to decrease ambient noise from alarms and bells, reduce staff movement within the hospital, and enhance the turnaround time for radiology scans.
On September 25, investigators charged Lesly Miraya-Mayuri, 21, with DUI manslaughter following a fatal crash on September 13 near Woodbridge that killed a passenger, Elvis Gabriel Alvarez, 23, and injured a Woodbridge woman. The accused was found to be intoxicated and driving the wrong way when the collision occurred, and has a court date set for October 9, 2024.
Press Release from Prince William County Police:
Fatal Crash Investigation | DUI Manslaughter *ARREST – On September 25, crash investigators charged the driver of a 2017 Toyota Camry involved in the fatal collision that occurred in the area of Caton Hill Rd near Killarney Dr in Woodbridge (22192) on September 13. The crash killed a 23-year-old male passenger inside the same vehicle, and seriously injured the driver of another vehicle. The investigation revealed the driver, identified as the accused, was intoxicated and driving the wrong direction on Caton Hill Rd before impacting the other vehicle. Following the investigation, the accused identified as Lesly MIRAYA-MAYURI, was arrested.
Arrested on September 25:
Lesly MIRAYA-MAYURI, 21, of 7097 Spring Garden Dr, #202, in Springfield
Charged with DUI manslaughter
Court Date: October 9, 2024 | Bond: $10,000 unsecuredIdentified:
The deceased passenger in the 2017 Toyota Camry was identified as Elvis Gabriel ALVAREZ, 23, of
Alexandria
The driver of the 2015 Toyota Corolla was identified as 67-year-old woman of WoodbridgeFatal Crash Investigation [Previously Released] – On September 13 at 6:07AM, crash investigators
responded to the area of Caton Hill Rd near Killarney Dr in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a
crash. The investigation revealed the driver of a black 4-door 2017 Toyota Camry was traveling the
opposite direction northbound in the southbound lanes when the vehicle collided head-on with a
2015 Toyota Corolla that was traveling southbound. Both occupants in the Camry were not wearing
seatbelts at the time of the crash. The passenger in the Camry was transported to an area hospital
where he later died from his injuries sustained in the collision. Both drivers were also transported
to area hospitals with serious injuries. Crash investigators are asking anyone who may have
witnessed this crash, or the driving behavior of the driver in the black 4-door 2017 Toyota
Camry involved in the collision, to contact police. The investigation continues.
On September 14, police responded to a shooting at the Sonic Soft Car Wash in Woodbridge, where a verbal altercation between two men escalated into a deadly encounter. Police said 25-year-old suspect shot Earl Duwan Miller, 54, during a physical altercation after both parties briefly separated. A female accomplice also brandished a firearm, police said.
The suspects fled but were apprehended shortly afterward by Virginia State Police. Miller was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Both suspects face multiple charges.
Press release:
Murder Investigation – On September 14 at 3:52PM, officers responded to the Sonic Soft Car Wash located at 14109 Richmond Hwy. in Woodbridge (22191) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim, a 54-year-old man, and an unknown man, later identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation outside the car wash. The parties separated briefly before another altercation turned physical. During the encounter, a firearm was brandished by the accused and the victim was shot to the upper body. A female acquaintance who was with the accused also brandished a firearm. After the shooting, the suspects fled in their vehicle and were apprehended by Virginia State Police along I-95 in Fairfax County a short time later. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he died as a result of the injuries. One exterior wall of a building was struck by gunfire. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. Following the investigation, both suspects, identified as Jermaine Antwoine LEWIS and Vinisha Lanisa NEVILLE, were arrested. The investigation continues.
Arrested on September 14: [No Photos Available]
Jermaine Antwoine LEWIS, 25, of 6383 Stagg Ct. in Springfield
Charged with second degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and shooting from an occupied vehicle
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond
Vinisha Lanisa NEVILLE, 29, of 13685 Kitty Hawk Way in Woodbridge
Charged with brandishing of a firearm
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Identified:
The deceased was identified as Earl Duwan MILLER, 54, of Woodbridge
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Prince William County police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip online at pwcva.gov/policetip.
Press Release:
This week, the Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWL VFD) proudly unveils its newest community initiative: a Little Free Library dedicated to Assistant Chief Michael Clark. Located in front of Station 14, the library is a tribute to Chief Clark’s 35 years of service, commitment to education, and lifelong dedication to the OWL VFD.
Rescue Chief Sandra Williams, who also serves as a school teacher, envisioned the Little Free Library as a way to promote literacy and knowledge-sharing within the community. “Many children lack regular access to books outside of school, making initiatives like our Little Free Library crucial,” said Williams. “The library not only connects us to the community but also empowers young minds with the joy of reading, encouraging imagination, creativity, and critical thinking.”
The Little Free Library is a simple yet powerful concept—a “take a book, share a book” exchange where community members can leave or borrow books at no cost. The library at OWL VFD will offer books for all ages, making it a welcoming space for families, individuals, and firefighters to enjoy. This initiative fosters a love for reading while promoting community engagement and connection.
Chief Michael Clark, a life member of OWL VFD and the library’s namesake, has been an inspiration to the department and community throughout his decades of service. Despite facing ALS, Clark continues to share his knowledge and passion for fire service through his role on the Board of Directors and by leading the department’s history group. His efforts have preserved the legacy of OWL VFD, providing valuable lessons and inspiration to its members.
Reflecting on his career, Clark said, “Back when I started in 1976, it was about giving back to my community. As time went on, OWL gave me the training and knowledge to support my advancement through the ranks of the department. Over the last 40+ years, I’ve seen the challenges of the department to keep providing services to the community. Unfortunately, due to my illness, I wasn’t able to continue my goals for my position and the department. I had a great career in the fire service, but I wish that I could do more.”
The Little Free Library at Station 14 is more than just a collection of books—it represents OWL VFD’s ongoing commitment to education, community service, and honoring the contributions of its members. The department invites the public to visit, borrow a book, and join in celebrating Chief Clark’s lasting legacy.
For more information on OWL VFD and its community outreach programs, visit www.owlvfd.org
About OWL VFD:
The Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department (OWL VFD) has been serving the local community since 1938, providing fire and emergency services to protect lives, property, and the environment. OWL VFD is one of the largest and busiest volunteer fire departments in Virginia, responding to more than 20,000 calls annually.
Prince William County will host a remembrance ceremony on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. to honor the victims of the September 11, 2001 attacks. The event will be held at the 9/11 Liberty Memorial Fountain in Woodbridge.
The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors, the National Anthem, the Tolling of the Bell, and remarks from Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson, County Executive Christopher Shorter, and Battalion Chief Craig Beavers. The names of county residents who died in the attacks will be read, and the ceremony will conclude with the playing of taps. The community is invited to attend.
Press release
On Wednesday, Sept. 11, members of the community are invited to join the Board of County Supervisors and others in a remembrance ceremony to honor and remember those who died during the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. at the 9/11 Liberty Memorial Fountain, 1 County Complex Ct, Woodbridge, Va.
The ceremony will include the Presentation of Colors and the National Anthem, the Tolling of the Bell, remarks from Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson and County Executive Christopher Shorter, and guest speaker Battalion Chief Craig Beavers, and the reading of the names of the county residents who were killed that day. It will conclude with the playing of taps.
All are welcome to attend to honor and remember the county’s 22 fallen residents and the nearly 3,000 others killed in the attacks that day.
A fatal crash investigation is underway following an incident on September 5 at 3:27 p.m. in Woodbridge, near Old Bridge Road and Occoquan roads. A 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle, operated by 23-year-old Melanie Ruby Morales of Woodbridge, was traveling at high speed when she lost control and slid under a 2009 Roll-off Dumpster truck.
Morales, who was wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the truck, a 56-year-old man from Triangle, remained on-site and was uninjured. Speed was determined to be a factor in the crash. Investigators are seeking witnesses as the investigation continues.
Press release:
Fatal Crash Investigation – On September 5 at 3:27PM, officers responded to the area of Old Bridge Rd. near Occoquan Rd. in Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a crash involving a motorcycle. The investigation revealed the operator of a 2023 Kawasaki motorcycle was traveling westbound on Old Bridge Rd. approaching Occoquan Rd. at a high rate of speed when the operator lost control and separated from the motorcycle before sliding under and being run over by a 2009 Roll-off Dumpster truck. The motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Mack truck remained at the scene and was not injured. Investigators determined speed was a factor in the collision. Crash investigators are asking anyone who may have witnessed this crash to contact police. The investigation continues.
Identified:
The deceased operator was identified as Melanie Ruby MORALES, 23, of Woodbridge
The driver of the Roll-off Dumpster truck was identified as a 56-year-old man of Triangle
A child was treated for severe burns at a local hospital, and now a 36-year-old woman faces charges.
Press release:
Felony Child Neglect – On August 30, detectives concluded an investigation into a child neglect that was reported to have occurred at the Woodbridge Station Apartments located in the 1300 block of Eisenhower Cl. in Woodbridge (22191) on August 17. The investigation
revealed hot water was spilled onto the victim, a 5-year-old girl, while in the care of her mother, identified as the accused. The child was treated at an area hospital with severe burns. Further investigation revealed the victim was burned in a similar manner previously and appropriate safety precautions had not been taken. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Julia Joyce WILLIAMS, was arrested.Arrested on August 30: [No Photo Available]
Julia Joyce WILLIAMS, 36, of the 1300 block of Eisenhower Cl. in Woodbridge
Charged with felony child neglect
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable
Press Release:
Edutainment Productions at OSA (Open Space Arts) is proud to announce “Harmony of Horizons,” an innovative multidisciplinary performance that pushes the boundaries of artistic collaboration and explores the future of arts institutions. This captivating 25-minute production, written by veteran broadway theatre artist Herb Williams, will debut on September 14th, opening up the 2024 PWC Arts Alive Festival at the Hylton Performing Arts Center.
“Harmony of Horizons” seamlessly blends music, dance, visual art, Fashion, and spoken word to create a unique and immersive experience. The performance features a diverse ensemble of talented artists, including singers, rappers, dramatic actors, ballet dancers, and live visual artists, all coming together to showcase the power of artistic synergy. Notably, Harmony of Horizons is set to spotlight a diverse cast including students from across Prince William County as they take the stage alongside seasoned professionals.
Key highlights of the performance include:
- Original musical scores arranged specifically for this production
- Live musicians (piano, bass, drums, saxophonist) accompanied by vocalists and a rapper
- Ballet dancers interpreting the music through expressive choreography
- Visual artists creating a live works
- A thought-provoking dialogue on the future of arts institutions, emphasizing accessibility, technology, and multidisciplinary collaboration
Christopher James, Development Director at Edutainment Productions, states, “With ‘Harmony of Horizons,’ we’re not just putting on a show; we’re presenting a vision for the future of the arts. This performance demonstrates how traditional and contemporary art forms can come together to create something truly extraordinary.”
The production aims to entertain while also informing the audience about the importance of forward-thinking in arts institutions. It serves as a model for how varied artistic expressions can unite to create an experience greater than the sum of its parts.
Open Space Arts invites media representatives to attend a special preview rehearsal of “Harmony of Horizons” on [Last Rehearsal]. This event will provide an opportunity for interviews with the creative team and performers.
For more information about “Harmony of Horizons” or to schedule an interview, please contact Isaiah Luckey at [email protected] or (703) 586-2540.About Open Space Arts: Open Space Arts is a leading cultural institution dedicated to promoting artistic expression and fostering creativity in Northern Virginia. Through innovative programming and community engagement, Open Space Arts strives to make the arts accessible to all while pushing the boundaries of artistic collaboration.
Potomac River Orthodontics, led by Dr. Owais Naeem, will mark its first anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. The event will occur at 12701 Galveston Court, near Hoadly Road and Prince William Parkway in Woodbridge.
