- [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 Attorney
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
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
Manassas (20109) – March 24, 2025
A 31-year-old man was shot after an argument escalated on Belle Grae Drive. The suspect, Adrian GARCIA, 25, allegedly fired at the victim as he tried to leave. Garcia was arrested and charged with malicious wounding and use of a firearm in a felony. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Armed Robbery – Teen Held at Gunpoint
Woodbridge (22191) – March 22, 2025
A 14-year-old boy was robbed at gunpoint at Riverside Station Apartments while attempting to trade clothing via Instagram. Two suspects, described as black males in dark clothing, stole the victim’s items and fled.
Strong-Arm Robbery – Macy’s Theft Turns Violent
Manassas Mall (20109) – March 21, 2025
A man stole merchandise from Macy’s and pushed two employees before fleeing. The suspect was described as a black male with dreadlocks, wearing a red hoodie, blue jeans, and white sneakers.
Attempted Stabbing in Domestic Dispute
Manassas (20109) – March 22, 2025
Abir THAKUR, 35, was arrested after attacking a 60-year-old female family member and attempting to stab two others with a knife. He faces three counts of attempted malicious wounding and additional charges.
Suspect Attacks Officer During Crisis Call
Manassas (20109) – March 22, 2025
Joahnna Lauren ALIZAI, 33, was arrested after pushing and grabbing officers while they responded to a crisis call. She was charged with assaulting a law enforcement officer (LEO) and obstruction of justice.
Burglary – Homeowner Fights Off Intruder
Manassas (20109) – March 22, 2025
A homeowner caught Byron ARGUETA ARGUETA, 25, stealing from a shed. A struggle ensued before officers arrested Argueta, who was charged with burglary, assault, and larceny.
Stafford County
Kinsale man faces alcohol charges
A smorgasbord of alcohol was discovered after a Jeep driver made himself easy for deputies to locate—by driving on two shredded tires.
On March 22 at approximately 5:29 a.m., Deputy A.G. Hart responded to Ferry Road for a report of a suspected drunk driver. A caller reported the driver of a Jeep was testing the slogan “go anywhere, do anything” a little too literally, maneuvering the vehicle on two destroyed tires and showing signs of intoxication.
Deputy Hart quickly spotted the vehicle, which was still in drive and blocking a driveway, with the driver slumped over the wheel. In plain sight, several beer bottles—some open—were observed inside the Jeep. After the driver awoke, deputies noted signs of impairment.
The suspect, Alfredo Hernandez Murrieta, 33, of Kinsale, was charged with driving under the influence, second offense within five years (BAC between .15 and .2), reckless driving, second offense driving without a license, and drinking while driving. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
Home Invasion – Woman Assaulted & Robbed
Short Branch Road – March 22, 2025
Two female suspects entered a woman’s home, assaulted her, and stole her phone, which was later found damaged. They were arrested in another Virginia jurisdiction and face charges including malicious wounding, burglary, and larceny.
DUI – Truck Crashes into Tree
Brooke Road – March 21, 2025
A driver crashed into a tree and was found intoxicated. He was hospitalized and later charged with DUI.
DUI – Woman Found in Ditch with Open Containers
Hollywood Farm Road – March 22, 2025
A driver was arrested after her car was found in a ditch with open alcohol containers. She was charged with DUI and drinking while driving and held on a $3,000 bond.
Larceny – Three Walmart Thefts in One Day
Garrisonville Road – March 21, 2025
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A suspect stole a speaker and fled in a tan Cadillac SUV.
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A woman was caught shoplifting $290 worth of beauty products and was issued a summons.
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Two juveniles were caught stealing $50 worth of items and were released to their parents.
Public Intoxication – Man Found with Vodka Bottle
Cabell Road – March 22, 2025
A man was arrested after causing a disturbance while holding a half-empty vodka bottle.
Public Intoxication – Woman Knocks on Stranger’s Door Late at Night
Holly Corner Road – March 22, 2025
A highly intoxicated woman was found wandering and knocking on doors late at night. She was arrested for public intoxication.
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