News

Tragic End: Couple Found Dead in Dumfries Home in Suspected Murder-Suicide

By Uriah Kiser

Detectives are investigating a murder-suicide incident where Davaughn Jamaal Henderson, 33, and Ashleigh Kaylynn Cash, 30, both from Dumfries, were found dead from gunshot wounds inside a residence on Fort Monroe Circle in Dumfries on August 7.

The investigation suggests that Henderson shot Cash and then himself following an altercation between the two, who were in a relationship. The event is believed to be domestic in nature. A firearm was recovered at the scene, and police are continuing their investigation, seeking any additional information from the public.

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UVA Health Awards Grants to Dozens of Local Nonprofits

By Caitlyn Meisner
[Photo: Courtesy of UVA Health]

The nonprofits were chosen based on the “unwavering commitment” to address community health needs as identified in the UVA Health Community Health Needs Assessment Study. The study focused on mental and behavioral health, substance use and chronic diseases.

The 24 nonprofits Prince William that were awarded include:

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Manassas Park to Host Community Forum on Domestic Violence after Bhatt Disappearance

By Uriah Kiser
Hundreds of residents gathered at Signal Hill Park on Saturday, August 24, for a vigil to share their thoughts about the missing Manassas Park mother, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, who is believed to have been murdered in her home. [Photo: Alan Gloss]

Local officials, including Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D), Vice Mayor Alanna Mensing, and Council Members Yesy Amaya and Darryl Moore, organized the event to create a safe and supportive environment for domestic violence survivors, they said during a governing body meeting on Sept. 17, 2024. A panel of representatives from various community-serving nonprofits will offer vital information on services available to victims and their families.

Attendees can hear from experts, ask questions, and gain insights into locally available resources. Among the organizations participating are agencies focused on mental health and emergency housing and advocates who work directly with survivors.

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Meet the Principal: Q+A with Unity Braxton Middle’s New Principal, Erin Sikes-Thurston

By Caitlyn Meisner

Welcome (or welcome back) to a new Potomac Local News series, “Meet the Principal.” With nearly two dozen new principals in Prince William County this school year, it’s important to get to know the folks in their new roles. Potomac Local has asked each principal the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.

Today, get to know Erin Sikes-Thurston, Ed.D., the new principal of Unity Braxton Middle in Manassas. Sikes-Thurston has been an educator for nearly 20 years and has spent the majority of her career in Northern Virginia.

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Michelle Davis Younger on School Performance, Economic Growth, and Why She’s Seeking Another Term as Mayor

By Alan Gloss
Manassas Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger

In her first interview with Potomac Local News since being elected four years ago, Mayor Michelle Davis Younger (D) shared her vision and priorities for her November 2024 re-election campaign.

Davis Younger emphasized the importance of voter participation, urging residents to exercise their right to vote. “It’s so important to get out and vote,” she stated. “No matter what, we all want what’s best for our community.” Davis Younger is vying for a second term as mayor and is challenged by longtime city businesswoman  Xiao-Yin “Tang” Byrom (R).

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Juveniles Disrupt Kings Dominion Halloween Event; No Injuries Reported

By Uriah Kiser

During the park’s Halloween Haunt event on Saturday, September 21, 2024, a large group of juveniles caused a disturbance at Kings Dominion. Deputies from the Hanover County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene about 9 p.m. after receiving reports of the disruptive group.

When deputies attempted to remove the juveniles from the park, many ran and hid inside park restaurants. At one point, some juveniles were reportedly throwing chairs inside one of the dining establishments. Several fights broke out as deputies worked to control the situation, but by 11 p.m., they successfully removed the group from the park, according to Hanover County Sheriff’s Sgt. Steven Willis.

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Stafford County Breaks Ground on Elementary School 18

By Uriah Kiser
[Photo: Stafford County Public Schools]

The new elementary school will serve 1,070 students in a 130,000-square-foot building. The $46.1 million project is expected to be completed by June 2026, with substantial completion for temporary occupancy by April 2026.

The groundbreaking comes just days after the Stafford County School Board awarded a $44 million contract for constructing Elementary School 19. During its September 10, 2024, meeting, the board unanimously approved the contract with Branch Builds, Inc., to build the new school next to Brooke Point High School at 80 Black Hawk Lane. Similar in size to Elementary School 18, the 131,000-square-foot facility will also accommodate 1,070 students and is scheduled to open in 2026.

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