Potomac Local News https://www.potomaclocal.com/ Local News for Fredericksburg, Manassas, & Woodbridge Thu, 11 Jun 2026 14:40:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.5 https://www.potomaclocal.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/cropped-pln-logo--32x32.png Potomac Local News https://www.potomaclocal.com/ 32 32 Fredericksburg Police Must Prioritize Transparency in Fatal Domestic Shooting https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/fredericksburg-police-must-prioritize-transparency-in-fatal-domestic-shooting/ https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/fredericksburg-police-must-prioritize-transparency-in-fatal-domestic-shooting/#respond Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:00:15 +0000 https://www.potomaclocal.com/?p=250978 More than a week after a horrific domestic-related shooting and crash claimed the lives of two parents on June 3 in Fredericksburg, the community still knows shockingly little about what happened — and why.]]>

More than a week after a horrific domestic-related shooting and crash claimed the lives of two parents on June 3 in Fredericksburg, the community still knows shockingly little about what happened — and why.

Police responded to reports of shots fired around 5:32 p.m. A man pursued a woman in separate vehicles along Olde William Street and Emancipation Highway, firing multiple rounds at her car. She crashed near College Avenue after being shot several times and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Two young children, ages 7 and 3, were in her vehicle and suffered minor injuries from the crash. The suspect later died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a police pursuit. No officers fired shots, and there are no outstanding suspects.

That much we know from the initial police news release. Since then? Almost nothing.

In a response to Potomac Local News this week, the Fredericksburg Police Department declined to provide any new updates, stating only that “additional details are not being released as this is an open investigation.” They also refused to confirm or comment on reporting by local outlet Hyperbole, which detailed that the alleged gunman — a 28-year-old male — had been arrested exactly one month earlier on May 3 at Riverwood Apartments while being served with a preliminary protective order.

According to Hyperbole, he faced charges of felony carrying a concealed weapon (2nd offense) and public intoxication at that time. Court records cited in the report show he had a prior 2016 conviction for carrying a concealed weapon along with other firearms-related charges. Sources told Hyperbole the victim had expressed ongoing fears about her child’s estranged father, and that the suspect had reportedly sought another firearm after his was seized by police in May.

Read the full Hyperbole post here.

Yet police will not confirm any of it. On the critical question of victim identities, the department stated it will not release the names “to protect the family and the juveniles involved.”

We respect the need to safeguard the privacy of the two surviving children. However, more than a week after this heinous crime — one that unfolded in broad daylight on public roads and left two small children orphaned in the most traumatic way imaginable — the public deserves basic facts.

Names of adult victims in homicide cases are standard public information in Virginia and across the country. Withholding them indefinitely, especially in a domestic violence-related killing with a documented prior protective order, raises serious questions about transparency and accountability.

Fredericksburg officials, including city leaders and our elected representatives, should be pushing the police department to be more open here. The community continues to ask legitimate questions: Who were the victims? What was the full nature of the prior protective order? Were there missed opportunities to prevent this tragedy? How can residents better understand the risks of domestic violence in our area?

Staying silent beyond the initial bare-bones release does not serve justice, public safety, or the grieving family. It fuels speculation and erodes trust in local law enforcement at a time when residents need reassurance that these cases are being handled with both compassion and candor.

Potomac Local News will continue pressing for answers. The people of Fredericksburg deserve them.

]]> https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/fredericksburg-police-must-prioritize-transparency-in-fatal-domestic-shooting/feed/ 0 Obituary: Lawrence David Hughes (1941-2026) https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/obituary-lawrence-david-hughes-1941-2026/ https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/obituary-lawrence-david-hughes-1941-2026/#respond Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:00:22 +0000 https://www.potomaclocal.com/?p=250947 In loving memory of Lawrence David Hughes, who passed away in 2026 at the age of 85.]]>

Submitted to Potomac Local:

Lawrence David Hughes (Age 85)
Memorial service info

Lawrence D. “Larry” Hughes, beloved husband, father, public servant, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026, at the age of 85.

Larry lived a life defined by service, leadership, family, and a deep love for the communities he called home. For more than three decades, he devoted his professional career to public service, helping guide the growth and development of Prince William County and the City of Manassas while earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, elected officials, and residents alike.

Born in Independence, Missouri, Larry carried his Midwestern values of hard work, integrity, humility, and kindness throughout his life. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Graceland College and later received his master’s degree from the University of Missouri, preparing for a career dedicated to improving local government and strengthening communities.

Larry served for many years as Deputy County Executive for Prince William County and also served as Acting County Executive. In 1999, following a nationwide search, he was selected to become City Manager for the City of Manassas, a position he held until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure, Manassas experienced significant growth and revitalization while maintaining the character and history that made the city unique. He helped oversee numerous projects that continue to benefit residents today, including the development of the Loy E. Harris Pavilion, improvements throughout Old Town Manassas, the downtown railroad walkway, and the establishment of the city’s first Fire and Rescue Department. Through periods of prosperity and economic challenge, Larry’s steady leadership, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful planning helped position the city for a successful future.

Although he was proud of his professional accomplishments, Larry never measured success by titles or projects. He measured it by relationships, by family, by friendships, and by the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others. Those who knew him remember his calm demeanor, thoughtful advice, dry sense of humor, and genuine interest in people. He was a mentor to many, a trusted colleague, and a friend whose counsel was sought by countless individuals throughout his career.

Outside of work and family, Larry enjoyed many of life’s simple pleasures. He loved hiking and exploring the outdoors. He loved the beach and being in and near the water. He was an animal lover, especially for his beloved dog Cammie. He was a lifelong and enthusiastic fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, proudly cheering for his team through every season.

Larry’s legacy can be found in the parks, public spaces, civic institutions, and neighborhoods he helped strengthen. More importantly, it lives on in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, wisdom, leadership, and friendship.

He will be remembered as a man of integrity, humility, compassion, and service—a leader who never sought the spotlight but whose influence will continue to be felt for generations.

Larry was a devoted father to Tanya M. Hughes, Victor “Todd” Hughes, Lauren A. F.

Hughes, and Alexander “Alex” D. F. Hughes. Nothing made him happier than to see his children content and successful. He was a caring and loving father and his commitment to them never wavered.

In addition to his children, Larry is survived by his devoted wife of 31 years, Christina A. Frank. his sister Gayle M. Hughes and many extended family members, friends, former colleagues, and community members who were blessed to know him.

A life well lived. A community well served. A man deeply loved and forever remembered.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Larry’s life and legacy at Baker-Post Funeral Home in Manassas on June 19, 2026. Interment will be private at a later date.

]]> https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/obituary-lawrence-david-hughes-1941-2026/feed/ 0 Triune Brings Tick Tick Boom to Warrenton Stage https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/triune-brings-tick-tick-boom-to-warrenton-stage/ https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/triune-brings-tick-tick-boom-to-warrenton-stage/#respond Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:57:32 +0000 https://www.potomaclocal.com/?p=250973 Triune Entertainment presents the autobiographical musical "Tick, Tick... Boom!" from June 19-28 in the new BackLot Theatre in downtown Warrenton.]]>

Triune Entertainment presents the autobiographical musical “Tick, Tick… Boom!” from June 19-28 in the new BackLot Theatre in downtown Warrenton.

The show by Jonathan Larson, the Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning composer of “Rent,” tells the story of a composer and the sacrifices he made to achieve his big break in theater. This production, directed by Ryan Balint, features live music from local band Uncle Drew and the Scoundrels. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theater International.

Jake Flemming leads the cast as Jon, the character based on Larson himself. The Virginian performing artist, making his Triune debut, studied music and theater at Longwood University. His credits include roles in “First Date,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Frozen” and “A Separate Peace.” Marty Kelly appears as Michael and Abby Rozmajzl as Susan. The cast also includes Lianne Aarons, Joseph Allen, Lucia Mattson, Noah Sariñana, Elizabeth Steimel and Lily VanBrocklin.

Triune Entertainment is an independent, non-Equity production company dedicated to creating exceptional live theater experiences and opportunities for artists. Previous productions include “The Prince of Egypt,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” and others.

Showtimes are June 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., June 21 at 2 p.m., June 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m., and June 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at www.triuneentertainment.com. For more information, email matt@triuneentertainment.com.

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]]> https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/triune-brings-tick-tick-boom-to-warrenton-stage/feed/ 0 Police Blotter: Assaults on Officers Reported https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/police-blotter-assaults-on-officers-reported/ https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/police-blotter-assaults-on-officers-reported/#respond Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:37:53 +0000 https://www.potomaclocal.com/?p=250965 On June 10 at 5:07 p.m., officers conducted a vehicle stop in the area of Webb Drive and Lee Highway in Gainesville for a traffic violation. The driver became agitated, attempted to walk away, and pushed an officer before being secured. No injuries were reported.]]>

Prince William County Police Department

Assault on Officer During Traffic Stop in Gainesville

On June 10 at 5:07 p.m., officers conducted a vehicle stop in the area of Webb Drive and Lee Highway in Gainesville for a traffic violation. The driver became agitated, attempted to walk away, and pushed an officer before being secured. No injuries were reported.

Franklin Danilo Corrales Martinez, 37, of Gainesville was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a law enforcement officer, obstruction of justice, and holding an electronic communications device while driving. He was held without bond. Court date pending.

Corrales Martinez

Assault on Officer During Warrant Service in Woodbridge

On June 10 at 12:48 a.m., officers responded to the 4600 block of Dale Boulevard in Woodbridge for a warrant service. While taking the suspect into custody, she kicked an officer. No injuries were reported. Officers also found her in possession of illicit narcotics.

Elisha Monique Bailey, 35, of Woodbridge was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a law enforcement officer and possession of a controlled substance. She was held without bond. Court date pending.

Bailey

Stafford County Sheriff’s Office

Fugitive Arrested After Suspicious Vehicle Report

On June 10 at 5:41 a.m., deputies responded to a suspicious vehicle report on Green Acre Drive. The driver was asleep in a running vehicle with the door open. The license plate was registered to a different vehicle, and the suspect had an active warrant out of Washington, D.C.

Ali Kheri, 25, of Sterling was arrested and charged with fugitive from justice, driving an unregistered vehicle, and driving with a license plate belonging to another vehicle. He was held at Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.

Bank Scam Reported

On June 10 at 8:03 a.m., deputies responded to a fraud report on Crossing Road. The victim said they received a phone call from someone claiming to be from PNC Bank’s Fraud Department. The caller said the victim’s account was compromised and instructed them to transfer funds. The victim later realized it was a scam and notified their bank.

Shoplifting at CVS

On June 10 at 6:41 p.m., deputies responded to a larceny report at the CVS on Garrisonville Road. Three suspects entered the store and stole a display. No suspects have been identified.

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]]> https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/police-blotter-assaults-on-officers-reported/feed/ 0 Route 1 Southbound Lanes Reduced in Fredericksburg https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/route-1-southbound-lanes-reduced-in-fredericksburg/ https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/route-1-southbound-lanes-reduced-in-fredericksburg/#respond Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:18:05 +0000 https://www.potomaclocal.com/?p=250959 “Southbound Route 1 in the City of Fredericksburg is reduced to a single lane between Wellford Street and Fall Hill Avenue today (Thursday, June 11) between 11am-2pm,” the Virginia Department of Transportation reported.]]>

“Southbound Route 1 in the City of Fredericksburg is reduced to a single lane between Wellford Street and Fall Hill Avenue today (Thursday, June 11) between 11am-2pm,” the Virginia Department of Transportation reported. “Concrete work will be underway for new curb and gutter.”

“Construction finishing in June 2026 on intersection projects in this area,” VDOT announced.

The ongoing project improves the Route 1 and Fall Hill Avenue intersection to reduce congestion, add turn lanes, extend medians, and add new sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian signals. A related intersection project at Route 1, Hanson Avenue and Princess Anne Street is being constructed under the same contract.

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]]> https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/route-1-southbound-lanes-reduced-in-fredericksburg/feed/ 0 Tour Bus Driver Remorseful After Fatal I-95 Crash https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/tour-bus-driver-remorseful-after-fatal-i-95-crash/ https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/tour-bus-driver-remorseful-after-fatal-i-95-crash/#respond Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:08:11 +0000 https://www.potomaclocal.com/?p=250946 “Emotionally, he is devastated,” lawyer Thad Furlong said of Jing S. Dong. “He is in very much pain.”]]>
Dong [Photo: Rappahannock Regional Jail]

“Emotionally, he is devastated,” lawyer Thad Furlong said of Jing S. Dong, the Fredericksburg Free Press reported. “He is in very much pain.”

“That is the big question of the hour,” Furlong added about the cause of the May 29 wreck.

Jing S. Dong, 48, of Staten Island, N.Y., appeared Wednesday in Stafford General District and Circuit courts in a wheelchair following release from Mary Washington Hospital. He faces five counts of involuntary manslaughter and reckless driving in the southbound I-95 crash that killed five and injured more than 40. The bus struck slowing traffic near a work zone.

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]]> https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/tour-bus-driver-remorseful-after-fatal-i-95-crash/feed/ 0 Podcast: Forkell Greene Announces Council Run, Tax Cut Approved, Bills Still Rising & Shocking Abduction Attempt https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/podcast-forkell-green-announces-council-run-tax-cut-approved-bills-still-rising-shocking-abduction-attempt/ https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/podcast-forkell-green-announces-council-run-tax-cut-approved-bills-still-rising-shocking-abduction-attempt/#respond Thu, 11 Jun 2026 13:00:51 +0000 https://www.potomaclocal.com/?p=250936 Lynn Forkell Greene announces her reelection bid to the Manassas City Council as an independent candidate for Manassas in 2026.]]>

Lynn Forkell Greene announces her reelection bid to the Manassas City Council as an independent candidate for Manassas in 2026.

In this Potomac Local Podcast, Uriah Kiser sits down with the former Manassas City Councilwoman for a candid discussion on the latest local headlines and issues affecting residents.

Lynn shares memories of longtime City Manager Larry Hughes, who passed away at 85, and reflects on his lasting impact on Manassas. The conversation turns serious with the shocking attempted abduction of a 4-year-old at Dean Park, including raw Manassas Police bodycam footage of the suspect fleeing on a bicycle.

On the budget front, Manassas City Council approved a modest 2-cent tax rate cut for FY2027, but residents still face rising bills amid higher assessments, utility costs, and Dominion Energy rate hikes. Lynn breaks down the frustration with council members who lean too heavily on staff recommendations instead of fighting harder for taxpayer relief, despite available surpluses.

Additional topics include the reappointment of Micron executive Delbert Parks to the George Mason University Board of Visitors and questions surrounding appearances of impropriety with Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger.

]]> https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/podcast-forkell-green-announces-council-run-tax-cut-approved-bills-still-rising-shocking-abduction-attempt/feed/ 0 Judge Clears Murder Charge in Donahue Case https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/judge-clears-murder-charge-in-donahue-case/ https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/judge-clears-murder-charge-in-donahue-case/#respond Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:44:29 +0000 https://www.potomaclocal.com/?p=250944 Hickerson, 44, had the second-degree murder charge — along with concealment of a dead body and burglary — expunged from his record following a brief Prince William County Circuit Court hearing on June 5.]]>

“Despite his past, I believe on this evidence he has met his burden of proof,” Prince William Times reported.

“I just want Shane back,” Brian Donahue, Shane’s father, said as he walked out of the courtroom.

“Obviously, we all sympathize with the Donahue family’s continued feeling of being unfulfilled in this process,” Hickerson’s attorney Brandon Sloane said. “However, the fact remains that Tim is innocent of these charges. He was acquitted of these charges, and he is entitled to move on from this ordeal.”

Hickerson, 44, had the second-degree murder charge — along with concealment of a dead body and burglary — expunged from his record following a brief Prince William County Circuit Court hearing on June 5. He was acquitted last year in the 2010 cold-case disappearance of 23-year-old Shane Donahue from Nokesville. Donahue’s body was never found.

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]]> https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/judge-clears-murder-charge-in-donahue-case/feed/ 0 Strong Thunderstorms Possible Amid Heat Wave https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/strong-thunderstorms-possible-amid-heat-wave/ https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/strong-thunderstorms-possible-amid-heat-wave/#respond Thu, 11 Jun 2026 12:41:19 +0000 https://www.potomaclocal.com/?p=250941 Strong to severe thunderstorms remain possible today and Friday amid a hot, humid, and unstable atmosphere,” the National Weather Service reported.]]>

“Strong to severe thunderstorms remain possible today and Friday amid a hot, humid, and unstable atmosphere,” the National Weather Service reported. “Heavy rain, gusty winds, and isolated hail are possible during the afternoon & evening hours. Additionally, heat indices of 100º to 105º F are possible.”

Today will be mostly sunny with a high near 96 and heat index values as high as 101, followed by a chance of showers and thunderstorms tonight. Friday brings likely showers and thunderstorms with a high near 97 and heat index up to 103, before drier conditions return Saturday with a high near 90.

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]]> https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/11/strong-thunderstorms-possible-amid-heat-wave/feed/ 0 Warm Weekend Temperatures Leave Some Park Goers Hot Under the Collar https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/10/warm-weekend-temperatures-leave-some-park-goers-hot-under-the-collar/ https://www.potomaclocal.com/2026/06/10/warm-weekend-temperatures-leave-some-park-goers-hot-under-the-collar/#respond Wed, 10 Jun 2026 19:00:00 +0000 https://www.potomaclocal.com/?p=250925 Leesylvania State Park experienced too much of a good thing in early June, as parkgoers faced crowds and rules that are new to this riverfront park in Woodbridge.]]>

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