By MARY ROSENTHOL
For Potomac Local News
MANASSAS, Va. — Richard D. Sword and Gerry L. Sword, two brothers who were both facing murder charges after the burned body of Manassas resident Anthony Bailey was found in early November in Old Town Manassas, saw those charges dropped today.
Instead of facing murder charges, both men will be tried for improper disposal of human remains and are eligible for a $5,000 bond. If found guilty; both men could face up to five years in jail.
“My brother is gone, but they can get out,” said Bailey’s sister Doretha Barbour. “These men called my mother and told her they were taking care of Tony and this is how they took care of him.”
Several family members watched as the Sword brothers received the lesser charges and bond. Crying could be heard in the courtroom during the proceedings.
“All we want is justice,” said Barbour. “Tony is buried, but we still have to deal with this ongoing pain.”
The Bailey family voiced outrage with the Commonwealth Attorney’s office handling of the case, asking Commonwealth Attorney Brian Boyle questions about the upcoming trial and the rights of the family. Boyle explained the trial process to the Bailey’s and what they could expect during the next phase of the trial in early March when charges against the Sword brothers will be heard by a grand jury.
“We are just a family trying to heal,” Barbour said. “The strongest of us are here supporting each other.”
The body of the 44-year-old victim, Anthony Bailey, was discovered in a vacant parking lot in the 9000 block of Church Street, near the Olde Towne Inn, shortly after 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 30, 2012.
The Sword brothers were identified through investigation and later observed on security video putting Mr. Bailey into a van owned by Richard Sword, police said. Richard Sword was then seen on the video driving the van to the parking lot where Mr. Bailey’s body was later found, removing Bailey, and setting him on fire, police stated.
