A Prince William County jury has found Edward Jackson Bland, 38, guilty in the 2024 killings of Leann Harris and Asia Payne, one of whom was pregnant at the time of her death. The verdict was delivered on December 11, following a trial in Prince William County Circuit Court.
Bland was convicted of multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated murder, second-degree murder, carjacking, and three firearm-related felonies. His sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2026, according to Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth.
Bonaventure Development closed out 2025 with a community‑centered push, collecting more than 100 toys in its Toys for Tots drive to support families in the Coles District of Prince William County. The effort aimed to bring holiday joy to local children, with contributions from Bonaventure team members and partners.
President Chris Cobb said the company’s commitment goes beyond building apartments, emphasizing volunteer work, charitable efforts and neighborhood partnerships as part of its mission. The toy drive was one of several initiatives Bonaventure led in recent months to strengthen community ties in and around Woodbridge.
“Anne’s dedication to historic preservation and her strategic vision have positioned WHM for long-term success,” Fredericksburg Advance reported. “Under her leadership, we’ve acquired an additional property, strengthened our finances and deepened our community connections. We’re grateful for her 12 years of service and look forward to welcoming a new leader who will build on this momentum.”
“Over the past 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing—and contributing to—tremendous growth at WHM,” Darron said in the press release. “Yet, as much as I cherish these milestones, I feel the time is right to turn my focus toward family and the next chapter of life.”
Join us on Sunday, May 31st, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM for a beautifully curated afternoon celebrating the romance and inspiration of European travel. We recommend arriving at 2:45 PM for the best seating. We’ll begin with a brief presentation highlighting unforgettable journeys along Europe’s iconic rivers with AmaWaterways, followed by a special screening of Under the Tuscan Sun — a heartwarming story set against the breathtaking landscapes of Tuscany and the transformative power of embracing life abroad. A minimum $5 per person donation to Manna Food Center is required to attend, and we are proud to match donations up to $500. You may also elect to donate more. Non-perishable food donations are also warmly welcomed. Raffle proceeds will benefit Manna as well, helping provide nourishment and support to families in our community. Come immerse yourself in the beauty of Europe, enjoy wonderful company, and make a meaningful difference. We look forward to welcoming you.
“I am announcing my candidacy for the 23rd District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates,” Prince William Times reported. “This special election is an opportunity to continue delivering for our community in Richmond.”
Franklin, 39, who currently serves her second term as the Woodbridge District representative on the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, formally entered the race Thursday to succeed Del. Candi King, who Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger selected to serve as secretary of the commonwealth. The date for the resulting special election has not yet been set, and Franklin is the first candidate to declare her bid for the seat officially. King’s appointment created the vacancy in the 23rd District in Prince William and Stafford counties.
Police are investigating a disturbing report of a man impersonating a federal agent at Glen Ridge Commons Apartments in Woodbridge. On December 10, a resident said the man aggressively banged on their door around 1 p.m., wearing a black plate carrier marked “ICE,” a badge, a holstered firearm, and a black mask. He claimed to be an ICE agent, but the resident did not open the door. Authorities later confirmed he is not affiliated with any law enforcement agency.
In a separate case, a 46-year-old woman with no fixed address has been arrested in connection with an armed robbery that took place at Macy’s in Manassas Mall on November 6. The woman allegedly pulled a knife when store security tried to stop her for shoplifting. She was arrested on December 10 and is being held without bond.
A 57-year-old man from Stafford was arrested for driving under the influence after causing an accident on Hope Road. The incident occurred when his vehicle rear-ended another car. Upon arrival, Deputy J. W. Courtney noted the driver had glassy, bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol. The driver was charged with DUI and following too closely and is being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
In another incident, a 34-year-old man was charged with petit larceny, shoplifting, and public intoxication after stealing items from a Target store on South Gateway Drive. The suspect was apprehended by First Sergeant Jacobeen and additional stolen merchandise was found in his possession. He is also being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail.
“With reference to the unfortunate accident that occurred with the National Guardsman being killed,” The Center Square reported. “It was an unfortunate situation, but you blamed it solely on Joe Biden.”
“You think that was an unfortunate accident? It was a terrorist attack,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem retorted during a House Committee on Homeland Security hearing, sharply criticizing Thompson’s description of the Nov. 26 shooting in Washington, D.C. that left one National Guard member dead and another critically wounded. (AOL)
A 68-year-old man was killed early Wednesday morning in a hit-and-run crash in Woodbridge. Police say the man, later identified as Shedrick Eugene Gibson, was found lying in the road around 6 a.m. at the intersection of Cardinal and Donald Curtis drives.
Officers performed CPR before Gibson was taken to a hospital, where he died. Investigators believe he was crossing Cardinal Drive outside of a crosswalk and wearing dark clothing when he was hit. The vehicle that struck him did not stay at the scene, and police currently have no description.
Substation ruled inconsistent with city plan; residents blast water, trees, and transmission line impacts
The Fredericksburg Planning Commission has unanimously rejected a proposal to rezone more than 80 acres near Route 3 and Cowan Boulevard for a massive data center campus, after months of controversy over water use, tree loss, and high-voltage transmission lines near neighborhoods.
