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. 


Welcome back to a Potomac Local News series, “Meet Prince William.”

We’ve started this series so Prince William County residents can get to know the important people working behind the scenes to make the county run smoothly and efficiently. This is an opportunity to learn from experts on the county. Potomac Local has asked each leader the same questions in bold, and their respective answers will be found below.


Dale Blvd & Forestdale Ave (Dale City) – April 2, 2025
A man was shot at during a road rage incident while driving on Dale Blvd. The suspect, described as a Black male in his 30s with dreadlocks, fired multiple rounds before fleeing. The victim’s vehicle was struck, but no injuries were reported. Police are actively searching for the suspect.

Wawa – 13303 Telegraph Rd (Woodbridge) – April 1, 2025
A clerk was held at gunpoint by a masked suspect demanding cash. The suspect took an undisclosed amount of money and fled on foot. No injuries were reported. The suspect is described as a Black male, approximately 5’10”, wearing all black clothing and a ski mask.


The event will feature free hot meals from the food truck vendor District Bites. Meals are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and no registration is required.

The initiative began as an extension of the church’s 21-day period of fasting and prayer—a time when members focus on spiritual renewal and service. Motivated by faith and a commitment to meet tangible needs in the community, the program launched with support from church members who helped bring in a professional chef and food truck to serve hot meals directly to neighbors in need.


Prince William County’s emergency dispatchers—often referred to as the “first” first responders—are being recognized for their behind-the-scenes heroism during National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 14–20, 2025.

During its April 1 meeting, the Prince William Board of County Supervisors passed a proclamation honoring the county’s public safety telecommunicators for their dedication to the community. Supervisor Victor Angry (Neabsco District) introduced the resolution, which Chair At-Large Deshundra Jefferson read aloud.


From a single closet shared by two churches to a bustling community lifeline helping tens of thousands annually, the Haymarket Regional Food Pantry is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year — and its mission is more critical than ever.

Since its founding, the pantry has assisted more than 500,000 people, thanks to the support of 10,000 donors and an army of volunteers. What began as a small operation by St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Haymarket has become a vital resource for families facing hunger across western Prince William County.


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