Police said Withrow shot and killed Posey, his wife, then shot and killed himself. Posey’s death is the second homicide in Prince William County in 2024.

More from police:

“Murder/Suicide Investigation *DECEASED IDENTIFIED | INCIDENT DETAILS – Detectives are continuing to investigate the deaths of two adults who were located inside a residence in the 18300 block of Cabin Rd. in Triangle (22172) on January 14. The preliminary investigation has revealed the two deceased were located by family members who had received concerning texts indicating the two were having an argument. At this time investigators believe the altercation escalated between the two parties who are husband and wife. During the argument, the husband, identified as Nicholas Allen SMITH WITHROW, shot his wife, Brittnee Yvonne POSEY, before shooting himself. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. A three-year-old girl was inside the residence at the time and was unharmed. The child was released to the custody of family members.”

Identified:

The deceased were identified as Nicholas Allen SMITH WITHROW, 42, and Brittnee Yvonne POSEY, 30, both of Triangle”

The first homicide in Prince William County in 2024 was 24-year-old Desire Alexandria Buggs, 24, who died at a local hospital after suffering gunshot wounds.

Original post from Prince William police:

“Death Investigation – On January 14 at 6:09PM, officers responded to a residence located in the 18300 block of Cabin Rd. in Triangle (22026) to investigate a death. When officers arrived at the home, they located two individuals, a 42-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman, inside the residence suffering from gunshot wounds. Both parties were known to one another and were pronounced dead on scene. At this time, the incident appears to involve the two parties and was isolated to the residence. A firearm was recovered on scene by officers. There is no threat to the community. The investigation continues.”

A knife found at Potomac Senior High School on January 3, 2024, was not passed through a metal detector.

We incorrectly reported it had been in an earlier version of this story.

Police reported a knife was found inside the school building on Wednesday, January 3, 2024. School spokeswoman Megan Silas said a security guard found a knife on the student, whom police described as a 15-year-old boy.

A school resource officer with the county police department determined the student didn’t mean to hurt anyone with the knife and charged the boy with possessing a weapon on school grounds, police said.

“Because we are less than six months into the deployment of this recent technology, we are continuously monitoring our processes and adjusting toward improvement. This situation remains under review,” said Silas.

Prince William County has invested nearly $11 million in new metal detectors at middle and high schools since the fall of 2023.

Insidenova.com published a detailed look at how the metal detectors work on January 8, 2024. Popular at concerts and large sporting venues, the Evolv scanners are supposed to detect weapons of all kinds while allowing large numbers of people to pass through the scanners simultaneously.

Prince William County and Manassas City public schools contracted with Evolv last year to install the scanners. In addition to the nearly $11 million to install the devices, it’s costing Prince William County an additional $725,000 a year to operate the scanners, reports Insidenova.com.

Prince William County is Virginia’s second-largest school division, with more than 92,000 students. Before inking the deal with Evolve, county school board members traveled to Charlotte, N.C., to view the scanners in action in public schools.

Potomac Senior High School is at 3401 Panther Pride Drive in Woodbridge.

Prince William police reported the following incidents:

“Shooting Investigation – On January 10 at 9:24 p.m., officers responded to investigate a shooting that reportedly occurred in the area of Cloverdale Road and Dodson Drive in [Dale City] earlier that evening. Officers were initially called to an area hospital where a 20-year-old man was being treated for a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. The preliminary investigation revealed the man was walking in the above area when he heard gunfire before being struck in the leg. After being injured, the man contacted a family member who brought him to an area hospital. Officers checked the area, locating no evidence of a shooting. No additional calls were received regarding gunfire. The man refused to cooperate further with detectives regarding the incident. Anyone with information to aid investigators in this investigation is asked to contact police.”

“Aggravated Malicious Wounding | Armed Robbery *ARREST – On January 10, 2024, the second suspect sought in connection to the shooting that was reported to have occurred in the 16900 block of Francis West Lane in Dumfries on December 17, 2023, was arrested. The accused, identified as a 17-year-old male juvenile, turned himself into the police without incident. Another juvenile was previously arrested in December in connection with this investigation. Arrested on January 10, 2024: [Juvenile] A 17-year-old male juvenile of Dumfries. Charged with robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at the Juvenile Detention Center.”

“Aggravated Malicious Wounding | Armed Robbery [Previously Released] – On December 17 at 12:07 p.m., officers responded to the 16900 block of Francis West Lane in Dumfries to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed the victim, a 23-year-old man, arranged to purchase marijuana in the above area from an acquaintance, identified as the accused. During the encounter, the victim and a 16-year-old male juvenile passenger were inside a vehicle when the accused and an unknown male, possibly a juvenile, approached the vehicle brandishing firearms. The 23-year-old victim grabbed the firearm from the accused which lead to a struggle. At one point, a round fired, striking the 23-year-old victim. Both suspects then took money and a backpack from the victims before fleeing on foot. The victims drove out of the area and contacted the police. The victim was treated at an area hospital for a non-life threatening injury. A police K-9 searched the area for the suspects who were not located. No additional injuries or property damage were reported. While investigating the incident, detectives identified the accused as a 16-year-old male juvenile who was taken into custody the next day. Detectives also identified the second suspect as a 17-year-old male juvenile and obtained detention orders. Attempts to locate the second suspect have been unsuccessful.”

“Shooting into a Residential Dwelling – On January 11 at 6:16 a.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 2700 block of Myrtlewood Drive in Dumfries to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed the homeowner woke to gunfire and located a hole in the headboard of their bed. A bullet fragment was recovered by officers. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.”

Prince William police reported the following incidents.

“Possession of a Weapon on School Grounds – On January 3 at 1:38 p.m., the School Security Officer (SRO) assigned to Potomac High School located at 3401 Panther Pride Drive in [Wodbridge] was alerted to a student in possession of a weapon. The investigation revealed the student, identified as the accused, was being detained on an unrelated detention order when he was found in possession of a knife. The SRO determined at no time did the accused brandish the weapon in a way to threaten students, faculty, or staff. Following the investigation, the SRO obtained petitions for the accused, identified as a 15-year-old male juvenile. On January 6, after consultation with Juvenile Court Services, the case resulted in a formal action and will be handled through the court process at a later date. Charged on January 6: [Juvenile] A 15-year-old male juvenile of Dumfries. Charged with possession of weapon on school grounds. Court Date: Pending | Status: Charged/Petitions Obtained.”

Prince William Police Department: “Armed Robbery – On January 5 at 11:30 p.m., officers responded to the 15300 block of Blacksmith Terrace in Woodbridge to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed a 16-year-old male juvenile, accompanied by a 15-year-old male acquaintance arranged to sell marijuana to three other juveniles via a social media app at a nearby playground. During the encounter, the three juvenile suspects struck both victims with firearms before taking the marijuana and fleeing on foot. Minor injuries were reported by one of the victims. The suspects were described as black males wearing dark-colored clothing.”

“Strong-Arm Robbery – On January 6 at 10:30 p.m., officers responded to the Woodlee Terrace Apartments located in the 12500 block of Gordon Boulevard in Woodbridge to investigate a robbery. The investigation revealed the victim, a 28-year-old man, was he was approached by two unknown men as he exited his apartment building. During the encounter, the men demanded money from the victim. When the victim refused, the suspects pushed, chocked, and kicked the victim before taking his money. The suspects then fled the area on foot. Minor injuries were reported. Officers and a police K-9 searched the area for the suspects who were not located. Suspect Descriptions: A light-skinned male, in his 30’s, approximately 6’2, with a thicker build and a full beard. Last seen wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt and baggy pants. A black male, approximately 5’11, with a thin build, and a goatee. Last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black baggy pants.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm | Road Rage Related – On January 6 at 12:46 p.m., officers responded to the area of Gideon Drive near Smoketown Road in Woodbridge to investigate a shots fired call. The investigation revealed the victim, a 28-year-old man, was driving on Gideon Road when he was involved in a road rage incident with the driver of a black Chevrolet Tahoe. Both vehicles stopped near the above intersection where the victim approached the driver of the Tahoe where a verbal altercation escalated. During the encounter, the driver of the Tahoe brandished a firearm and fired a round into the air before fleeing. No injuries or property damage reported. The driver was described as a Hispanic male wearing a red hat and a grey hooded sweatshirt.”

“Reckless Handling of a Firearm – On January 4 at 9:17 p.m., officers responded to Lindsay Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram located at 8100 Centreville Road in Manassas to investigate a destruction of property. The investigation revealed an employee located a vehicle on the lot with a bullet hole and fragment in the hood. The vehicle was struck sometime between 5:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., the vehicle was both parked on the lot and used in a test drive. It is currently unknown where the vehicle was struck. No injuries or additional property damage were reported.”

“Strangulation | Domestic Related – On January 6 at 9:27 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 3700 block of Turn Back Trail in Triangle to investigate a domestic dispute. The investigation revealed the victim, a 20-year-old man, and a family member, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation that escalated. At one point during the encounter, the accused brandished a firearm before using the firearm to physically strike the victim. The accused then grabbed the victim’s neck before the parties separated. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Carlyle Matthew MITCHELL, was arrested. Arrested on January 6: Carlyle Matthew MITCHELL, 38, of the 3700 block of Turn Back Trail in Triangle. Charged with strangulation, brandishing a firearm, and domestic assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond.”

“Strangulation | Domestic Related – On December 29, officers responded to investigate a domestic dispute that was reported to have occurred in the 16500 block of River Ridge Boulevard in Woodbridge during the afternoon of December 22. The investigation revealed the victim, a 22-year-old woman, and an acquaintance, identified as the accused, were involved in a verbal altercation in a parked vehicle that escalated. During the encounter, the accused got on top of the victim and struck her before grabbing her neck. At one point, the victim was physically prevented from getting out of the vehicle by the accused. After the accused drove out of the area, the victim was able to leave the vehicle. Minor injuries were reported. Following the investigation, officers obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Daniel Xavier COWARD, who was taken into custody on January 7, 2024. Arrested on January 7, 2024: Daniel Xavier COWARD, 23, of 301 Wingfoot Court in Accokeek, Maryland. Charged with strangulation, abduction, and domestic assault & battery. Court Date: Pending | Bond: Unavailable.”

“Assault & Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer [LEO] – On January 5 at 10:36 p.m., officers responded to a residence located in the 14500 block of Earlham Court in Woodbridge to investigate a domestic dispute. While investigating the incident, officers identified the primary aggressor as the accused. When officer’s attempted to detain the accused, he actively resisted and refused to follow officers’ commands. During the brief
struggle, the accused pushed an officer and elbowed a second officer before being detained without further incident. An initial party involved in the domestic and an officer reported minor injuries. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Jason Antonio SOSA, was arrested. Arrested on January 5: Jason Antonio SOSA, 24, of the 14500 block of Earlham Court in Woodbridge. Charged with 2 counts of assault & battery on LEO, 1 count of domestic assault & battery, and 1 count of obstruction of justice. Court Date: Pending | Bond: $2,500 Unsecured Bond.”

Original post: A jackknifed tractor-trailer is causing a significant back on Interstate 95 at Dumfries.  Traffic is backed up for five miles.

From VDOT: “Dumfries: 95SB at Route 234: All SB lanes closed due to tractor-trailer crash. Right shoulder getting by at times. Responders still arriving. Pls use alternate route.”

Meanwhile, with the implementation of storm weather, VDOT issued a travel advisory for the Fredericksburg area.

VDOT: “Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews will mobilize in emergency response Tuesday morning in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula to respond to potential travel hazards on state-maintained roads from forecasted heavy rain and high winds.

Between 2-3 inches of rain is forecast to fall between Tuesday morning and late Tuesday evening. High winds are also anticipated, with potential wind gusts between 40-45 mph along the I-95 corridor and between 50-55 mph in coastal areas on the eastern end of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

High winds may lead to downed trees, utility lines, and other debris, especially in areas where soil is already saturated from recent storms. Travelers may encounter areas of ponding and standing water, with some roads partially or fully blocked by flooding.”

The storm will be with us all day and into the evening. You can see our latest forecast, sponsored by Waters End Brewery.

Prince William police report the first murder in the county of 2024.

On Saturday, January 6 at 5:04 p.m., officers responded to investigate a shooting that reportedly occurred in the area of Possum Point Road and Leonard Street in Dumfries earlier that day.

Officers were initially called to an area hospital where a 24-year-old Desire Alexandria Buggs, 24, of Woodbridge was suffering from a gunshot wound and later died. The preliminary investigation revealed her husband, later identified as the accused, brought the victim to the hospital after the shooting occurred and provided detectives with an account of what led up to the shooting, police said.

While investigating, additional information and the weapon believed to be used during the shooting were turned over to police. Further investigation revealed the accused was involved in the incident. Following the investigation, the accused, identified as Daniel Okoe Lawson, 24, of 14306 Jeffries Road, Apt #602, in Woodbridge, was arrested.

Lawson faces felony murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and shooting into an occupied vehicle charges.

Detectives are continuing their investigation to determine what led up to the shooting and the shooting location. Anyone with information that could aid investigators in this investigation are asked to contact police.

Charged with felony murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and shooting into an occupied vehicle

There were 22 murders in Prince William County in 2023, a tie with a 10-year high recorded in 2016.

When Michael Smith dug into the box of chicken he had bought at Popeye’s Chicken on Route 234 in Dumfries, he found a fried piece of “something” and felt it required a closer look before he bit into it.

He examined it and said he was shocked to see that it was what he thought was a chicken head. Not a juicy drumstick, succulent thigh, or even a breast packed with white meat like many other Popeye’s chicken eaters have experienced. No, this looked like a chicken head, beak and all.
So he did what everyone else does today – whipped out his cell phone, took a picture, and posted it to social media.

“I sent it to their general manager so they could see what’s going on; she never got back to me,” he said. This didn’t sit well with him.

It all started on Tuesday, December 19, when Smith stopped by the Popeyes Restaurant with his son to get something to eat. He had been to the drive-through window at this store, but it was the first time he got out of the car and went inside.

Once his order came, Smith looked at one piece and felt he could see the beak and the rest of it was shaped like a head, so he became alarmed. He got a second opinion on the picture and then sent it to the manager.

Not so fast, said “Thi,” the manager at that Popeye’s store in Dumfries. She looked at the picture of a fried glob of batter and saw that the head Michael pointed out was just “a piece of bone that looks like a chicken head,” she said. “We know that it was not a chicken head,” she added, but just in case, she took it further in the process. “We forwarded it to our HR,” she said.

It’s not a done deal for Smith, though. He called the health department and consulted an attorney.
A chicken head discovery at the Popeye’s chain is not new. In September 2023, another apparent chicken head was found in another Popeye’s meal, and it turned out that the image used to back up the claim was a 2021 image.

“A Popeyes spokesperson told USA Today it has since been recirculated and mistakenly attributed to Popeyes,” said a post on the USA Today site under “Fact Check.” In 2019, a chicken head was found in a Popeye’s dish in Livingston, Texas, and another “chicken head” was found in a box of chicken in Williamsport, Penn., but this was at a pizza restaurant, and it turned out to be a real chicken head—lots of question marks on that one.

Mike Salmon is a freelance reporter for Potomac Local News.

Prince William police doubled the reward for the man suspected of shooting and killing a Fredericksburg man.

The victim is Quatrail Raynard Smalls, 26, of Big Stone Gap, Va, which is about 400 miles from where the shooting occurred in Triangle. He was shot in the 3700 block of Wharf Ln. in Triangle.

Police said the suspect is 27-year-old Tyus James Terrell of Fredericksburg. Police will offer $10,000 for information that leads to his arrest.

Terrell is black, 5 feet, 11 inches tall, 200 pounds, with black hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo on his chest. He’s charged with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Police said the shooting was not random.

Here’s the police report:

Murder Investigation *REWARD INCREASED – The Prince Wiliam County Police Department has increased the reward offered for information on the whereabouts of the suspect sought in connection to shooting death of a 26-year-old man following an altercation that occurred in the 3700 block of Wharf Ln. in Triangle (22172) on November 14. During the investigation, the suspect involved in the shooting was identified as Tyus James TERRELL. Detectives obtained arrest warrants for the suspect and an initial reward amount was offered for information leading to his arrest and conviction. Further attempts and leads in locating the suspect have been unsuccessful. The police department is now offering an increased reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of this suspect. The investigation continues.

Wanted: [Photo from January 2023]

Tyus James TERRELL, 27, of the 100 block of Mansfield St. in Fredericksburg

Described as a black male, approximately 5’11”, 200lbs., with black hair, brown eyes, and a tattoo on his chest

Wanted for murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

The Town of Dumfries Police Department took children and their families Christmas shopping.

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The four-lane extension will bridge the gap between Route 234 near and Cardinal Drive in Dale City. The two-and-half-mile extension will have a concrete median and be designated a significant collector route for drivers who want to avoid traveling on Interstate 95 or Route 1.

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