County GOP Chairman Jacob Alderman said the party sold more than 300 tickets for the fundraiser, which brought in over $30,000 to support local political efforts. The evening featured prominent conservative speakers including Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, Coles District Supervisor Yesli Vega, and Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts.
A Focus on Diversity and Conservative Values
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Jose Rafael Lizama, a 48-year-old Manassas Park resident, was sentenced on April 3, 2025, to 10 years in prison, with five years suspended, for the 2023 death of Justin Burns. He will serve five years in the Virginia Department of Corrections, followed by five years of supervised probation. Lizama must also wear an ankle monitor for continuous drug and alcohol testing after release.
Four days before the start of his January 2025 trial, Lizama took a plea deal and admitted to striking and killing Justin Burns of Blackstone near Richmond while speeding and driving drunk on December 2, 2023. Justin was crossing the 8900 block of Center Street in downtown Manassas, near Old Town Sports Pub, just before 11 p.m. Police crime scene investigators determined that Lizama was traveling nearly double the speed limit in foggy weather when he struck Justin.Â
Prince William Assistant Commonwealth Attorney, Ryan Reynolds, told the court that police wrote in their report that Lizama had attempted to blend into the crowd to avoid responsibility for the crash until witnesses identified him as the driver.
Lizama appeared remorseful before Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Angela Horan, apologizing to the judge, the victimâs family, and his own family. âIâm sorry from the bottom of my heart to Mr. Burnsâ family. My words will never be enough for the pain and suffering that I have caused,â Lizama said through a Spanish interpreter.
Horan said she wanted to see an end to drunk driving and stated that the sentencing guidelines did not allow for a harsher sentence. âWe are never going to eradicate this behavior (drunk driving) if we let people get away,â she said, adding, âtoo many lives are taken because of this behavior.â Raising her voice, Horan expressed anger that he had been driving 47 miles per hour drunk down Manassasâ Center Street. âThat decision was outside the realm of the sentencing guidelines.â
Lizama had prior offenses related to speeding and alcohol dating back to 2018 in Virginia. It is unclear when he entered the country or if he had other violations elsewhere.
Kim Burns, Justinâs mother, gave a victim impact statement emphasizing his philanthropic work in the community. He volunteered with several organizations, including the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) in Manassas. He also founded Succor Solutions, Inc., a nonprofit specializing in disaster recovery and economic development in Blackstone.
Burns told the court she was saddened not to receive a call from Justin on her 66th birthday, as he had done every year. âOur lives changed forever that day. There will never be a day I donât wake up thinking of Justin, and he is the last thought I have before I go to sleep. My son had so much to give, and that’s not going to happen now. I’m never going to get to dance with my son at his wedding. I’m never going to get to hold my grandchild from him, and he’s not going to be there for his brother and sister when his dad and I get old.â
âJustin was a blessing to the community, what a loss his death was to the community,â Horan said in response.
Justin had been in town to attend an event for his nonprofit. Burns described Justinâs death as a âgood day,â during which he participated at the Manassas Christmas parade with his brother and toured the recently renovated Manassas Museum. He was on his way to Old Town Sports Pub to meet friends when he was killed.
After sentencing, Burns told Potomac Local News that she was glad Horan did not hold back in chastising Lizama from the bench. âWhile nothing can fill the loss of our son, Justin, Judge Horan served a sentence that brings him some justice while setting a precedent that drinking and driving will not be tolerated.â
Burns said her family plans to honor Justinâs legacy by organizing an annual blood drive, something he was passionate about. Justin was designated as a âHero for Babiesâ by the American Red Cross, a title awarded to blood donors who meet specific criteria to provide safe and essential blood for newborns and infants. His blood donations over the years saved more than 75 lives.
Lizamaâs attorney, Fernando Villarroel of the Manassas-based Irving Law Group, did not respond to requests for comment. He had sought only probation and alcohol treatment for Lizama, but Horan denied the request.
Martha Lee “Marti” Seers (Age 86)
Memorial service info
In Loving Memory of Martha Lee “Marti” Seers
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Martha Lee “Marti” Seers, who departed on October 3, 2024, at 86. Born on May 15, 1938, in Clifton Forge, Virginia, she was the beloved daughter of Hazel Bazzarre and James Francis Crush.
Martha Lee was a graduate of Central High School in 1955, Low Moor, Virginia, and earned her degree in business from Averett College in 1958. After graduating, she pursued her passion for dance, ballet, and modeling. She married for the first time in 1960.
Martha Lee is survived by her four children, six grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many dear friends who will forever cherish her memory. She touched the lives of so many, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and resilience.
A dedicated and compassionate woman, Martha Lee was a proud member of the Woodbridge Womenâs Club in Prince William County, where she served for a period of twenty-one years. She devoted her time to uplifting her community and always put the needs of others before her own. Her unwavering spirit and generosity inspired all who had the privilege of knowing her.
To honor and celebrate Martha Leeâs life, an interment service will be held on June 7, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Covington, Virginia, her beloved hometown of Alleghany County. We invite family and friends to join us in remembering a remarkable woman who meant so much to many.
May Martha Lee rest in eternal peace, free from pain, and may her memory continue to comfort those who mourn her passing.
In place of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in her honor to a Cancer Research Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the ASPCA, causes that were close to her heart.
With love and remembrance,
The Family of Martha Lee Seers
The following memorial event is planned.
Graveside Service
06/07/2025 01:00 PM to 01:30 PM
Cedar Hill Cemetery
1521 S. Carpenter Dr., Covington, Virginia, 24426
Sharon J Wilson (Age 80)
Memorial service info
Sharon Jean (Locker) Wilson of Manassas, Virginia passed away peacefully on March 14, 2025. She had just celebrated her 80th birthday with her family a month earlier.
She is survived by her daughter Leah (Mike) Munnis; her son Jonathan (Gery) Wilson; her grandsons Sean and Jared Casey; step-grandchildren Kiauna (Justin) Munnis, Mike Jr, Jeff Munnis, Kiara, and Pamela; her siblings Leo (Sue) Locker, Connie (Rick) Jorgensen, Howard (Marka) Locker, and Brenda (Harry) Duchscherer; countless nieces and nephews; her grand-dogs Tater and Wilson, her grand-cats Sushi and Sashimi, and her grand-fish Ceviche. She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Dorothy Locker; husband, Fred L. Wilson; and brother, Ryan (Maria) Locker.
Sharon was raised on a farm in Balfour, North Dakota, the oldest girl of the six children of John and Dorothy Locker. Her first job was at the Weidlerâs CafĂ© in Balfour. She attended Minot Business College and worked at the Clarence Parker Hotel, during which time she met Fred L. Wilson when he was stationed at Minot Air Force Base. They were married on July 2, 1966, at St. Josephâs Catholic Church in Balfour, then moved to Virginia when Fred was transferred to the Pentagon, eventually settling in Dale City to raise their two kids. Sharon and Fred subsequently made their home for many years in Stafford County, VA. She retired from the Prince William Service Authority and moved to Dumfries, VA, after Fredâs death in 2012. She briefly lived with Leah and Mike in Colonial Beach, where she enjoyed going out for charcuterie, hanging out at Bay One, watching karaoke, and talking to Tater and Wilson. Mom made her final home with Jon and Gery in Manassas, where she loved to feed Ceviche and cuddle with Sushi and Sashimi.
Mom loved praying, reading, walking, visiting, canasta, Knock, cats, Roy Orbison, Elvis, Tom Jones, John Denver, Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter, the New York Yankees in general, Maryland Terps basketball (especially the girls), The Young and the Restless, Bluebloods, The Waltons, noodles, Geryâs cake, colorful socks and Dove dark chocolate. Later in life, she walked a 5K and discovered a love of California rolls. Mom wasnât the one who told the jokes, but she certainly appreciated them, and she could throw out some surprisingly funny one-liners when she felt like it.
The following memorial events are planned.
Visitation
03/25/2025 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM
Mountcastle Turch Funeral Home
4143 Dale Blvd, Dale City, Virginia, 22193
Funeral Mass
03/26/2025 10:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
8213 Linton Hall Road, Gainesville, Virginia, 20155
Graveside
03/26/2025 01:00 PM to 01:30 PM
Quantico National Cemetery
18424 Joplin Road, Triangle, Virginia, 22172
Ann Louise Wetzel (Age 93)
Memorial service info
Ann Louise Wetzel, 93, of Lufkin, Texas, formerly of Woodbridge, Virginia, died Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Lufkin. Graveside services are pending and will be held at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.
Mrs. Wetzel was born December 22, 1931 in Minersville, Pennsylvania to Christina (Kerick) and Michael Pellish. She was a proud military wife and worked in the uniform shop at Fort Belvoir, Virginia for many years. She resided in Woodbridge, Virginia for over 55 years and moved to Texas five years ago to be with her daughter and family. Mrs. Wetzel was a member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Woodbridge, Virginia. She adored her family and was affectionately known by them as âDollyâ. She was loved very much and will be dearly missed.
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, William and Bonnie Wetzel of Fredericksburg, Virgina, and Randy and Wanda Wetzel of Cookville, Tennessee; daughter and son-in-law, Krista and Steven Adams of Lufkin, Texas; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; sister, Patricia Dando of Pennsylvania; bonus son, Bradley Rickard of Tennessee; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, William Roy Wetzel, son, Kevin R. Wetzel; daughter, Karen L. Tusinean; grandson, Randy Michael Wetzel; great-grandson, Callum Ryan Parker; brothers, Ronald Pellish and Kerry Pellish; and sisters, Gloria Zernhelt and Dorothy Ondisco.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Childrenâs Research Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, or online at www.stjude.org.
Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.
Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.
Submitted by Carroway Funeral Home
During its February 2025 meeting, the Thirty-First Judicial District Community Criminal Justice Board (CCJB), re-elected Bradley Marshall as board chairman and elected Yesli Vega as vice chair. The board, which serves the greater Prince William County area, assists community agencies and organizations in establishing and modifying programs and services for criminal offenders based on objectively assessing the communityâs needs and resources.
Marshall, a criminal defense attorney with Manassas-based Vanderpool, Frostick & Nishanian, P.C., has been a board member since 2009 when he was appointed as former Commonwealthâs Attorney Paul Ebertâs designee. He was first elected chairman in 2014 and remained in the position after transitioning to private practice. Marshall attributes his long history in Prince William County law and his experience as both a prosecutor and defense attorney as reasons his colleagues have consistently elected him.
âI believe my colleagues have elected me for over a decade because I bring a steady hand to the meetings and to guiding the board, as well as a lot of institutional memory,â Marshall said.
Vega, the Coles District representative on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors and a key figure in local politics, said she relies on data and her experience in law enforcement to guide her decisions.
âAs a law enforcement officer, I bring a unique perspective and understanding of our local criminal justice system, using data and community input to advocate for effective, evidence-based practices,â Vega said.
A Prince William County reserve deputy sheriff, Vega began her law enforcement career as a police officer in Alexandria before serving with the Manassas Park Police Department.
âSupervisor Vega is a proven consensus builder who can bring stakeholders together to navigate complicated situations and come together to do whatâs best for the community. I have no doubt she will continue to do so as vice chair of this board,â Marshall said.
The CCJB consists of 27 board members from local agencies involved in probation and the incarceration of accused individuals.
âThe best thing about this board is the number and level of stakeholders involved,â Marshall said.
In addition to representatives from the Commonwealthâs Attorneyâs Office, defense attorneys, and law enforcement officers, the board includes judges, social services representatives, behavioral health providers, and citizens from each represented area.
âIt is a board of subject matter experts who collaborate to help each other, and in the end, help the community,â Marshall said.
The board ensures that court-offered programs comply with changes in state policy and best practices nationwide.
âUltimately, I want to ensure that programs yield measurable improvements in public safety and reduced recidivism,â Vega said.
Marshall agreed.
âThe board has made tremendous strides in evidence-based decision-making over the last several years, and I know we will continue to do so in order to improve the local criminal justice system,â he said.
The CCJB meets quarterly. Its next meeting will be held at 5 p.m. April 22, 2025, at the Adult Detention Center, 9320 Lee Avenue, Manassas.
A Manassas mother of three, LaToya Crabbe, has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge for the October 21, 2024, shooting death of her husband, Curtis Crabbe. This marks the second time she has been indicted, following the dismissal of an earlier indictment due to prosecutorial unpreparedness.
Late last month, Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Angela Horan ordered Crabbe's release from jail after dismissing a second-degree murder charge against her, citing repeated missed deadlines by the prosecution.
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A judge ordered the release of Latoya Crabbe from jail after dismissing a second-degree murder charge against her, citing repeated missed deadlines by the prosecution. Crabbe, a Manassas mother of three, had been accused of killing her estranged husband, Curtis Crabbe, in October 2024.
Prince William County Circuit Court Judge Angela Horanâs decision came after she denied a request from the Commonwealthâs Attorneyâs Office to continue the case. With no viable path forward, the office was forced to drop the charges.
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The Prince William County Commonwealthâs Attorneyâs Office has been ordered to pay a $22,250 sanction for violating Virginiaâs Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The FOIA law is intended to promote government transparency and public awareness of government activities.
Valeria Juarez, a citizen of Fairfax County, filed a lawsuit in 2023 after a series of FOIA requests either failed to include all requested documents or contained so many redactions that they were unreadable. Juarez contended that the Commonwealthâs Attorneyâs Office initially failed to provide 172 requested emails, and when they were eventually produced, they were so heavily redacted that they contained no meaningful information.
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Williams acknowledged the race of other black school board members but purposefully left out Brentsville representative Erica Tredinnick, a black Republican. Her efforts had the unintended consequence of displaying why identity politics is so divisive. Prince William GOP posted on X after the meeting, âGuess [Tredinnick] isnât âBlack enoughâ in [Williamsâ] mind. This is the leftâs identity politics at work: itâs not about representation, itâs about control.â
Williams touted the divisionâs Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts over the years, and vowed to push a DEI agenda within the school system. Her words come as the U.S. Department of Education has ordered an end to DEI practices, stating, âpervasive and repugnant race-based preferences and other forms of racial discrimination have emanated throughout every facet of academiaâ on February 1, 2025.
