WRC-TV: “A Virginia man who pleaded guilty to killing a young Marine is free just two years after the shooting, and prosecutors in Prince William County blame investigators for failing to turn over key evidence in time.”

“But prosecutors said there were problems with some of the police evidence before the trial began. Midway through the trial, prosecutors say police suddenly mentioned a Ring camera video that had never been documented or turned over as required. The defense attorney filed a motion to dismiss.”


Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney: “Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney Amy Ashworth announces today the sentencing of Robert Coltrain, 27, related to the murder of Brian Trotter which occurred in Prince William County, VA on or about October 17, 2020. Mr. Coltrain pled guilty to first-degree murder on June 28, 2022. On July 7, 2023, Mr. Coltrain was sentenced to 75 years in prison with 30 of those years suspended.”

“On October 17, 2020, Brian Trotter was reported missing by his family. Trotter had last been seen by his father getting into a vehicle with his friend, Robert Coltrain, to go to Washington D.C. Mr. Trotter gave his son a hug and said goodbye as Trotter left his residence with Coltrain. On October 26, 2020, while police in Virginia were investigating the disappearance, Florida Highway Patrol officers found a body decomposing in the trunk of a vehicle that was involved in a motor vehicle accident in the Miami-Dade area. Authorities were able to identify the body as Brian Trotter and immediately began an investigation of the death, leading them to the driver of the vehicle, Robert Coltrain. Mr. Coltrain was arrested by the Miami-Dade Police Department and eventually extradited back to Prince William County to stand trial for the murder.”


Prince William Parks and Recreation: “Thanks to a grant from The Cecil & Irene Hylton Foundation via the Prince William Parks Foundation, more than 800 students from Title I schools in Prince William County were awarded scholarships to participate in the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism’s Science in the Park program last spring.”

“Science in the Park provides hands-on science lessons for K-6th grade students based on the Virginia Standards of Learning Science curriculum, utilizing the resources of Prince William County’s beautiful parks as an outdoor classroom.”


Press release: “Former Congressman Frank Wolf, who successfully protected the Manassas Battlefield from over-development in the late 1980s, will be joining Supervisor Jeanine Lawson, candidates Bill Woolf and John Stirrup, for a press conference to support Supervisor Lawson’s Resolution 23 [Monday July 10, 10 AM, Manassas National Battlefield].”

“The resolution would prohibit contentious land-use votes during the lame duck period of November 7th through December 31st. The intent of the resolution is to ensure that decision-makers are held accountable to voters, creating confidence and trust in our Board, while also guaranteeing decisions regarding data center development are in line with the will of Prince William County’s residents.”


Bay Area Reporter: “As she faces a tough election battle this year to become a senator in her home state, transgender [Prince William County/Manassas Park] Delegate Danica Roem will be in San Francisco this weekend to meet with local LGBTQ leaders and raise money for her campaign. It is her latest swing through the Bay Area in recent months as she prepares for the fall election.”

“Now she is seeking her state’s open Senate District 30 seat in November against Republican Bill Woolf, 43, a straight married father of six children. The former police officer has the support of Virginia’s GOP Governor Glenn Youngkin.”


Helix Helping Hands: “Helix Helping Hands is proud to announce our 4th Annual Blood Drive on Wednesday, July 12, from 8 am-2 pm at our Manassas office. This event is part of our ongoing mission to give back to the community.”

“Our annual Blood Drive has been the cornerstone of Helix Helping Hands since its inception and has been supported by a host of other charitable efforts, such as the ‘Fill the Box’ project that donated food to the West Virginia Veterans Hospital, clothing drives for the American Red Cross, supporting the local police force during National Police Week, among many other efforts.”


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My name is Verndell Robinson. I am an award-winning realtor of seven years who is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Maritime Law. I am running for Potomac District Supervisor because we deserve transparency and accountability from our elected officials.

For instance, most other major counties in our region maintain a lame-duck session policy. A lame duck session is the period between Election Day in November and December 31. Instituting a lame-duck session policy to prevent political games and contentious votes is routine during election years. In particular, focusing on avoiding contentious land use matters during the lame duck session. Instituting this policy gives the public confidence and ensures that Board members and elected officials do not engage in any political games or “pay to play” backroom deals.


Virginia Department of Transportation: “The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking feedback on a STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study assessing potential safety, operational and multimodal improvements for just over a mile of Dale Boulevard (Route 784) from Gideon Drive to Route 1, and nearly half a mile of Rippon Boulevard (Route 1392) from Route 1 to Blackburn Road.”

“The study is assessing existing traffic, safety and multimodal conditions in the corridor, including driver weaving issues at the Dale Boulevard/I-95 interchange and accommodations for people walking and biking. Within the study limits, Dale Boulevard averages about 42,000 vehicles a day and Rippon Boulevard averages about 12,000.”


On Thursday, July 13, 2023, Locust Shade Park will hold a reptile show as a part of their “Reptile World” program at the park’s amphitheater at 4701 Locust Shade Drive, Triangle.

The “Reptile World” program was made to introduce reptiles from around the world to the audience. Its main goal is to increase students’ interest, connection, and awareness of the natural world and its reptilian species.


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