Best Friends Forever: Community Rallies For Crash Survivor After Tragic Loss In Virginia Best Friends Forever: Community Rallies For Crash Survivor After Tragic Loss In Virginia
Best Friends Forever: Community Rallies For Crash Survivor After Tragic Loss In Virginia What started as an exciting hunting trip for a pair of best friends in Virginia ended in tragedy when the two were involved in a head-on crash that left one dead and one with critical injuries. Dylan Lester, 28, is facing a lengthy recovery after being involved in an early morning crash on Saturday, Nov. 16, that claimed the life of his best friend, 25-year-old Manassas resident Patrick Ledoux.  I find myself at a loss for words. Today heaven received an angel. Patrick was in a car wreck this morning and was... Posted by Jacqueline Robinson LeDoux on Saturday, November 16, 202…
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says
Newly Identified Chemical In Drinking Water Could Be Toxic, Study Says A newly discovered compound in drinking water has raised questions about its potential health risks.  The chemical, known as chloronitramide anion (Cl–N–NO₂⁻), was found in all samples from 10 US drinking water systems that use chloramines, according to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday, Nov. 21. The research, led by Julian L. Fairey, an associate professor at the University of Arkansas,  identified chloronitramide anion as a decomposition product of inorganic chloramines, which are commonly used to disinfect municipal water supplies.  The study estimates …
Infant Dies, 10 Others Sickened In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products Infant Dies, 10 Others Sickened In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products
Infant Dies, 10 Others Sickened In Listeria Outbreak Involving Meat, Poultry Products A multi-state Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry products has killed an infant and sickened at least 10 others. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and public health officials are investigating infections linked to recalled Yu Shang Food ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. The illnesses were in New York, New Jersey, California, and Illinois between Wednesday, July 31 and Thursday, Oct. 24, the agency said. Of 11 people with information available, nine have been hospitalized. In California, one pregnant woman and her twins were sick and both infants died. But …
Former Virginia Health Official Sentenced For $4.3M Fraud Scheme, Tax Evasion: Feds Former Virginia Health Official Sentenced For $4.3M Fraud Scheme, Tax Evasion: Feds
Former Virginia Health Official Sentenced For $4.3M Fraud Scheme, Tax Evasion: Feds A man who once oversaw Virginia’s emergency response programs will spend six years in prison for misappropriating millions from the state's Department of Health, federal authorities said. A former senior official with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) was sentenced to six years in federal prison this week for orchestrating a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme and evading nearly $2 million in taxes, according to court records. Adam Lamar Harrell, 41, of Midlothian, used his position as Associate Director of the Office of Emergency Medical Services (OEMS) to siphon $4.3 million in public …
New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Virginia Park New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Virginia Park
New Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Virginia Park A new alert has been issued by the Alexandria Health Department advising that a raccoon tested positive for rabies after being collected near an area park. On Friday, Nov. 15, officials say that a raccoon came into contact with several dogs in the yard of a home in Alexandria near Chambliss Park. The raccoon is dead, the dogs have been isolated, but there is an increased risk in the area, health officials are cautioning. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bi…
Drunk Driver Causes Crash In Virginia, Fibs About Fleeing Friend, Deputies Say Drunk Driver Causes Crash In Virginia, Fibs About Fleeing Friend, Deputies Say
Drunk Driver Causes Crash In Virginia, Fibs About Fleeing Friend, Deputies Say A man with an outstanding warrant was arrested after a DUI crash in Stafford County early Sunday morning, according to the sheriff's office. On Nov. 17, at approximately 3:36 a.m., deputies responded to a two-vehicle accident near Austin Park Drive and Richmond Highway that left one vehicle on its side with the driver trapped inside. Deputy C.T. Richardson assisted the driver of the overturned Chevrolet out of the vehicle and into an ambulance, according to a spokesperson from the Stafford County Sheriff's Office, while a second deputy spoke with the driver of a Honda also involved in the c…
Former Maryland Teacher Learns Fate After Years-Old Sex Abuse Case With Student Comes to Light Former Maryland Teacher Learns Fate After Years-Old Sex Abuse Case With Student Comes to Light
Former Maryland Teacher Learns Fate After Years-Old Sex Abuse Case With Student Comes to Light A former middle school teacher in Maryland will have to register as a sex offender for 25 years once she completes her prison term for sexually abusing a student, authorities announced on Tuesday. Melissa Marie Curtis, 31, of Upper Marlboro, was sentenced to 30 years in prison with all suspended but 12 months to serve, followed by five years of supervised probation after pleading guilty in June to three counts of third-degree sex offense in connection to the abuse of a teen. In November 2023, police in Montgomery County launched an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse that ha…
1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States, Including VA, From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots 1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States, Including VA, From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots
1 Dead, Dozens Sickened In 18 States, Including VA, From E. Coli Outbreak Linked To Carrots An E. coli outbreak linked to carrots has left one person dead and sickened 39 people in 18 states. Click here for a new, updated story: Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says the infections have come from multiple brands of recalled organic whole bagged carrots and baby carrots sold by Grimmway Farms, which is based in Bakersfield, California.  "Carrots on store shelves right now are likely not affected but may be in people's homes," the CDC said. "If you have any recalled carrots…
Watch Chuckling Dognappers Steal 10-Week Old Puppy From Fairfax County Pet Store Watch Chuckling Dognappers Steal 10-Week Old Puppy From Fairfax County Pet Store
Watch Chuckling Dognappers Steal 10-Week Old Puppy From Fairfax County Pet Store Recognize them?  The Fairfax County Police Department has released photos of two suspects and are seeking the public's assistance in identifying and locating the pair wanted for stealing a puppy from a pet store in Chantilly. On Wednesday, Oct. 16, officers were called to the 14000 block of Chantilly Crossing, when two men walked into the business and stole a Maltipoo that was up for sale. Officers were able to obtain security footage, which shows the two suspects involved in the dognappers, which can be seen here.  View this post on Instagram …
'Door Dash Driver Of Misery And Suffering' Sentenced For Selling Fentanyl In Virginia 'Door Dash Driver Of Misery And Suffering' Sentenced For Selling Fentanyl In Virginia
'Door Dash Driver Of Misery And Suffering' Sentenced For Selling Fentanyl In Virginia A Manassas man who was caught red-handed dealing drugs to undercover officers in Loudoun County received a harsh sentence and will spend more than a decade in prison, according to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office. Brian Alexander Snyder, 27, was sentenced to 14 years in prison with no time suspended - above the recommended sentence - after arranging deals with an undercover officer. In March 2024, members of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office arranged a "controlled buy" of fentanyl and cocaine, prosecutors said, arranging to meet with him at a set location to pick up the product. Inve…
Sweet Smuggle: Dulles CBP Officers Uncover Cocaine Hidden In Hot Chocolate Packages Sweet Smuggle: Dulles CBP Officers Uncover Cocaine Hidden In Hot Chocolate Packages
Sweet Smuggle: Dulles CBP Officers Uncover Cocaine Hidden In Hot Chocolate Packages US Customs and Border Protection agents seized a shipment at Dulles Airport destined for Northern Virginia filled with multiple packages of hot chocolate that were filled with a white substance that was not tiny marshmallows. More than 28 pounds of cocaine that was concealed inside of 10 packages of hot chocolate beverage base will never make it to the streets after agents found it while examining a food shipment brought into the country by a Guatemalan courier. According to officials, federal authorities initially detained the courier; however, authorities released the courier on Tues…
Maryland's 'Golden Bachelorette' Is Engaged! Meet Her New Fiancé Maryland's 'Golden Bachelorette' Is Engaged! Meet Her New Fiancé
Maryland's 'Golden Bachelorette' Is Engaged! Meet Her New Fiancé Joan Vassos is off the market. The 61-year-old school administrator, widow, and proud grandmother from Rockville, MD got engaged on the thrilling season finale of "The Golden Bachelorette," which aired Wednesday evening, Nov. 13. Joan lost her husband to cancer after 32 years of marriage. Joan, who made history as ABC's first-ever senior Bachelorette, captured hearts across the nation with her warmth, wisdom, and willingness to take a second chance on love.  Audiences watched her journey unfold, and in a moment that fans won’t soon forget, she said “yes” to her final rose pick in a he…
Chickens Rescued From Illegal Cockfighting Ring Operating Out Of Virginia Yard: Sheriff Chickens Rescued From Illegal Cockfighting Ring Operating Out Of Virginia Yard: Sheriff
Chickens Rescued From Illegal Cockfighting Ring Operating Out Of Virginia Yard: Sheriff Dozens of chickens were rescued and a suspect arrested following the investigation into an illegal cockfighting ring that was uncovered earlier this month in Virginia, officials say Members of the Stafford County Sheriff's Office were tipped off last week about a home in the area that was hosting cockfighting events, the same home that was related to a previous stolen property report. At approximately 10 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, deputies responded to a home on Norman Road, where they found several large chickens in the area, leading to them obtain a second warrant in connection to the alle…
Fireball Lights Up Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across Virginia Fireball Lights Up Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across Virginia
Fireball Lights Up Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across Virginia A bright fireball streaked across the East Coast on Monday, Nov. 11, catching the attention of hundreds of people from Connecticut to Virginia (did you see it? Send footage to clevine@dailyvoice.com). The American Meteor Society reported that 236 people witnessed the fireball around 7:48 p.m., with sightings spanning 13 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada (click here for the sightings map). Witnesses described the fireball as a striking light blue or green that illuminated the sky for four to seven seconds, moving diagonally from the upper right to the lower left. The eve…
Virginia Man Who Sexually Abused Teen Girl He Impregnated Learns Fate In Court Virginia Man Who Sexually Abused Teen Girl He Impregnated Learns Fate In Court
Virginia Man Who Sexually Abused Teen Girl He Impregnated Learns Fate In Court An Alexandria man who picked up a teen girl at an area park and sexually assaulted her at a DC park will spend years in prison after getting her pregnant and continuing to abuse her. Francisco Flores-Lopez, 34, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexually abusing a 14-year-old District resident, resulting in her getting pregnant, federal authorities announced. According to court documents, the girl met Flores-Lopez on social media, and the two met up for the first time in June 2022, the same month she was set to turn 14 years old. Flores-Lopez, who was 32 years old at the time, pi…
School-Aged Children, College Students In DMV Among Recipients Of Racist Text Messages: AG School-Aged Children, College Students In DMV Among Recipients Of Racist Text Messages: AG
School-Aged Children, College Students In DMV Among Recipients Of Racist Text Messages: AG Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown is imploring possible victims to come forward after the state was the latest to be targeted by a series of racist text messages that have been circulating. Brown issued an alert this week advising that his office has received multiple complaints about racist messages that were sent to Black residents, including some school-aged children and college-aged students, "causing significant distress." "Without knowing or making any assumptions about the senders’ true intent," Anne Arundel County Schools Superintendent Mark Bedell said in a statement.  …
Beyoncé Leads 2025 Grammy Nominees, Up-And-Coming Virginia Artist in the Spotlight Beyoncé Leads 2025 Grammy Nominees, Up-And-Coming Virginia Artist in the Spotlight
Beyoncé Leads 2025 Grammy Nominees, Up-And-Coming Virginia Artist in the Spotlight The 2025 Grammy nominations are out, and once again, Virginia artists made a strong showing alongside Beyoncé, who leads this year’s list with 11 nominations for her latest album, Cowboy Carter.  Woodbridge native Shaboozey, an emerging rapper and singer-songwriter, is up for Best New Artist, one of the Grammys' most prestigious categories, while his breakout single, A Bar Song (Tipsy), which peaked atop the Billboard Hot 100 has earned him further acclaim with nominations for Song of the Year and Country Song of the Year. Shaboozey was also nominated for Best Country Solo Perform…
FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says
FBI Thwarts Iran-Linked Plan To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says An Iranian operative and two associates living in America have been charged in a murder-for-hire plot targeting United States citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump. Federal authorities have charged Farhad Shakeri, an alleged operative of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with two New York City associates in a plot to assassinate a US citizen critical of the Iranian government.  The case highlights the continued threat posed by Iran’s attempts to silence dissidents and even target top US. officials. According to the Department of Justice criminal complai…
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says A common ingredient found in most oral over-the-counter cold medicines should be removed from the market because it doesn’t work, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. This follows an extensive review that found the drug ineffective for treating nasal congestion. Oral phenylephrine, widely marketed in cold and allergy medications, has been in use for decades as a go-to nasal decongestant.  However, an FDA review, backed by last year’s unanimous recommendation from the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee, found that phenylephrine in oral form does not deliver effective conge…
District Man Sentenced After Attempted Murder Caught On Camera In Maryland (VIDEOS) District Man Sentenced After Attempted Murder Caught On Camera In Maryland (VIDEOS)
District Man Sentenced After Attempted Murder Caught On Camera In Maryland (Videos) A District man will spend decades in prison after pleading guilty mid-trial for an attempted murder that was caught on camera in Maryland, authorities announced. The 22-year-old saw the writing on the wall and admitted his guilt in the middle of a jury trial earlier this year in connection to his role in a shooting in a well-known Silver Spring alleyway following a wild chase in June 2022, according to the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office. He was sentenced to 70 years in prison with all but 30 to serve, followed by five years of supervised probation when he is released. …
Person Crushed To Death Working On Vehicle In Virginia Driveway, Police Say Person Crushed To Death Working On Vehicle In Virginia Driveway, Police Say
Person Crushed To Death Working On Vehicle In Virginia Driveway, Police Say A person was killed while working on a vehicle that slipped and crushed him in Prince William County, police say. Officers were called at around 4:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5 to the 4900 block of Asdee Lane in Woodbridge to investigate a reported death. According to the Prince William County Police Department, a 30-year-old man was working on a vehicle in his driveway when it shifted and began to roll, pinning him underneath. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators say that no foul play is suspected, and "more information will be released as necessary."  No information abo…
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Cases of whooping cough are five times higher than at this time a year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning. Officially known as pertussis, those infected have persistent, chronic fits of coughing followed by a “whoop” sound. "Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.," the CDC said in a new advisory. "However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year. It's likely mitigation measures used during the…
Stretch Of I-66 Closed Due To Multi-Vehicle Crash With Injuries In Fairfax County (DEVELOPING) Stretch Of I-66 Closed Due To Multi-Vehicle Crash With Injuries In Fairfax County (DEVELOPING)
Stretch Of I-66 Closed Due To Multi-Vehicle Crash With Injuries In Fairfax County (Developing) Traffic slowed to a halt on Monday night following a multi-vehicle crash that left several injured on I-66 in Virginia, officials say. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel were called on Nov. 4 to a stretch of the eastbound lanes of the interstate near Monument Drive, where there was a crash that left two people trapped and shut down all eastbound lanes. Traffic on I-66 on Monday night. Virginia DOT According to officials, two people were extricated and taken to local hospitals for treatment and evaluation of undisclosed injuries. The Virginia Department of Transportation said …
Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation
Euthanasia Of 'Peanut The Squirrel' Sparks Viral Outrage; Lawmaker Demands Investigation Outrage is swirling after New York wildlife officials seized and later euthanized beloved social media sensation “Peanut” the squirrel. Chemung County resident Mark Longo, of Elmira, took to Instagram Wednesday, Oct 30, telling his 581,000 followers that Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) officers had seized the animal, which he rescued in 2017 after its mother was struck by a car. “Well internet, you WON. You took one of the most amazing animals away from me because of your selfishness,” he wrote. “To the people who called (DEC), there’s a special place in hell for you.” In a…
'Significant Risk To Community' 'Deserves Every Minute' Of Sentence In Virginia: Prosecutor 'Significant Risk To Community' 'Deserves Every Minute' Of Sentence In Virginia: Prosecutor
'Significant Risk To Community' 'Deserves Every Minute' Of Sentence In Virginia: Prosecutor A man described as "a significant risk to the community" will spend nearly two decades in prison, prosecutors in Loudoun County announced on Thursday. Lorenzo Arnez Green, 39, who has a lengthy criminal history, was sentenced to 18 years in prison with no time suspended after being convicted on a host of charges following an incident that played out while he was on probation. Specifically, Green was convicted of:  Two counts of possession with the. intent to distribute a Schedule I or II controlled substance; Possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance; Possession of a fire…
Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning
Rise In Walking Pneumonia Cases Prompts CDC Warning Cases of walking pneumonia have spiked significantly, especially among children, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning in a brand-new advisory. The agency said increases in M. pneumoniae-associated pneumonia infections began late this past spring, peaked in August, and have remained high.  The CDC said it's using various surveillance tools "to better understand any differences in demographics, severity of illness, and outcomes as compared to M. pneumoniae infections prior to the COVID-19 pandemic." The agency said it's also contacting heal…
Skeletal Remains Found In Tent Along Virginia Roadway: Police Skeletal Remains Found In Tent Along Virginia Roadway: Police
Skeletal Remains Found In Tent Along Virginia Roadway: Police A death investigation has been launched in Prince William County after a grisly discovery was made in Woodbridge on Wednesday afternoon. Shortly after 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 30, investigators were called to the 14700 block of Telegraph Road, where they found the skeletal remains of an adult found inside a tent inside a wooded area.  A spokesperson from the Prince William County Police Department said that the remains have been transported to the Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy to confirm the identity of the body and determine the exact cause and manner of death. "At this time, the…
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Virginia Park Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Virginia Park
Rabies Alert Issued After Raccoon Tests Positive For Virus Near Virginia Park An alert has been issued by the Alexandria Health Department advising that a raccoon tested positive for rabies after being collected at an area park. On Sunday, Oct. 27, officials say that a raccoon came into contact with a dog in the area near Sanger Avenue along a Dora Kelley Nature Park trail, which later tested positive for the virus. The raccoon is dead, the dog is isolated, but there is an increased risk in the area, health officials are cautioning. Rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals (warm-blooded animals who nurse their young) and is spread through the saliva of …
Driver Rescued By Bystanders After Crashing Into Potomac River In Fairfax County Driver Rescued By Bystanders After Crashing Into Potomac River In Fairfax County
Driver Rescued By Bystanders After Crashing Into Potomac River In Fairfax County A group of Good Samaritans came to the aid of a driver who found themself in a perilous position after crashing into the Potomac River.  On Wednesday night, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel were called to the area of Waynewood Boulevard and George Washington Memorial Parkway, where there was a report of a vehicle that crashed and splash landed in the water. According to investigators, before firefighters arrived, bystanders in the area were able to help extricate the occupant of the vehicle, who suffered undisclosed injuries and was hospitalized.  No other details were in…
Christmas Eve Killer Who Shot Ex Outside DC Restaurant Learns Fate In Federal Court Christmas Eve Killer Who Shot Ex Outside DC Restaurant Learns Fate In Federal Court
Christmas Eve Killer Who Shot Ex Outside DC Restaurant Learns Fate In Federal Court Nearly a decade after a fatal shooting outside a Northwest DC restaurant, justice has been served for the family of a woman gunned down by her ex on Christmas Eve. Marvin Lopez, 45, remained a fugitive for years in his native El Salvador until he was eventually tracked down and tried for the murder of Evelyn Yamileth Arroyo Guerra, prosecutors said. On Tuesday, federal authorities announced that Lopez has been sentenced to 50 years in prison for the 2014 murder. The slaying was reported in front of the El Sabor Latino Restaurant in the 3900 block of 14th Street NW, where Yamileth worked as…
Heroin Curiously Stashed By Guatemalan Courier Intercepted At Dulles International Airport: CBP Heroin Curiously Stashed By Guatemalan Courier Intercepted At Dulles International Airport: CBP
Heroin Curiously Stashed By Guatemalan Courier Intercepted At Dulles International Airport: CBP US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at Washington Dulles International Airport kept more than $50,000 worth of heroin from being brought into Virginia, officials say. Maria Jose Recinos Rodriguez, 31, a Guatemalan national, wanted an extra kick with her coffee after being busted attempting to conceal heroin in coffee grounds she traveled into the country with. According to a CBP spokesperson, on Sunday, officers discovered nearly two pounds of heroin concealed in a courier shipment at the airport. Investigators say that Recinos Rodriguez arrived on Oct. 27 from Guatemala C…