Officers were called to an apartment building at 40 1/2 North Main Street at. Letter to the editor: Stop development. It was higher than in 82.9% U.S. cities. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. Timbrook Public Safety Center By EVAN GOODENOW The Winchester Star. Winchester, VA 22601 Phone: 540-667-3200 Email: citydesk@winchesterstar.com. Grimes, a 30-year-old Hagerstown, Maryland, resident who was visiting family in Stephens City, had stopped at Five Guys for a milkshake. When Leslie Leon Burchart was arrested in 2000, he admitted to murdering at least 7 elderly women in 1996 during a killing spree that spanned 6 months. Rain ending this morning. "At the time of Mortimer's arrest, Leone detailed a gruesome crime scene and said Mortimer left a note on the kitchen table. Visithttps://stories.opengov.com/winchesterva/published/8h-8dawOa for the current annual report. Error! With regards to property crime, you have a 1 in 42 chance of becoming a victim. Hoverter, 50, could receive life in prison without parole when he is sentenced Aug. 31. Thomas Mortimer's trial was. Property crimes are motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary. While the Beltway Snipers, John Allen Muhammad and Lee Boyd Malvo, were finally convicted and sentenced in Virginia, their terror spread throughout the country. Our nationwide meta-analysis overcomes the issues inherent in any crime database, including non-reporting and reporting errors. Some parts 2023 Advameg, Inc. Crime rate in Winchester, Virginia (VA): murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, auto thefts, arson, law enforcement employees, police officers, crime map. The Southside Strangler inspired several books, including "Stalking Justice: The Dramatic True Story of the Detective Who First Used DNA Testing to Catch a Serial Killer", by Paul Mones, Chapter 11 of John Douglas' 1996 memoir, "Journey into Darkness" and possibly Patricia Cornwell's bestselling novel "Postmortem", which showed considerable plot similarities to Spencers real-life crimes. "In this letter, to paraphrase some of his writings, he said, 'I did these horrible things. News headlines delivered every weekday morning. "With todays guilty plea, the defendant admitted his complete culpability and responsibility for these brutal murders and will spend the rest of his natural life behind bars, District Attorney Gerry Leone said. This story has been updated with the correct spelling of Dianna Lynne Swaner. 1 of 2. She also obtained a religious exemption from attending public schools. But it wasnt until the women showed up in New Jersey in 1909 that authorities caught on. EGoodenow. Select your ideal criteria and let Scout do the rest. In addition to the women, Burchart, a homeless schizophrenic, later admitted to killing another 3 homeless men. DNA also exonerated David Vasquez, who had been convicted of the 1984 murder in Arlington, a crime later attributed to Spencer. Best trending stories from the week, delivered Saturday morning. Riley, a 29-year-old city resident, was on his way to dinner at Okinawa when the car he was in parked near Grimes. Crime Map for Winchester, VA. Crime Map. Ambrogi said he agreed to a plea bargain because prosecutors were unable to charge Hoverter with capital murder _ a killing committed in the commission of another felony _ and seek the death penalty. This equates to a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants. Mann argued that prejudiced jurors against his client and justifies a new trial. "The defendant lowered his window and shot Riley though the heart without any provocation from Riley," Occhuizzo wrote. Its hard to imagine what goes through the minds of people able to kill with such premeditation and it leaves the rest of us more than a little prone to looking over our shoulder. One of the largest national news stories of the last 15 years, Muhammad and Malvo shot 13 people in Washinton, D.C., Maryland and Virginia, killing 10, in October of 2002. Winchester, VA (22601) Today. 231 E. Piccadilly St., Suite 310 Located just south of the Appomattox River from Colonial Heights, Petersburg has a bigger problem with violent crime than its northern neighbor. The male, identified as Nathaniel Jones, 37, of Winchester was pronounced deceased at the scene. I murdered my family,'" Leone said. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Date(s) & Update Frequency: As Riley approached Grimes' car, Grimes fired one shot from the driver's seat, killing Riley and then sped away. Although he was not the triggerman, Malvo, who was only 17 at the time of the killing spree, remains in Wise County at the Red Onion State Prison where he is serving multiple life sentences as an accomplice to Muhammads sadistic killings. "What happened once Riley approached Grimes' vehicle was consistent with a heat-of-the-moment reaction and not consistent in any way with malice requisite for murder," Mann wrote. They said the children rarely left the house without either Hoverter or their mother, neither of whom worked. At the time of Mortimer's arrest, Leone detailed a gruesome crime scene and said Mortimer left a note on the kitchen table. 8,376,755. Rain ending this morning. The prosecutor also said he didnt want Ms. Smelsers other children to have to testify at Hoverters trial. Slight chance of a rain shower. "In this letter, to paraphrase some of his writings, he said, 'I did these horrible things. Our nationally-comparable school ratings are covered under US Patent No. Ambrogi described the events leading up to Valeries fatal beating. "This was a case where the defendant committed an extremely atrocious and cruel premeditated and deliberate attack on his family in their Winchester home. WINCHESTER In the legal equivalent of a Hail Mary pass in football, lawyers for convicted murderer Quadell Alik Grimes are asking that the jurys verdict be set aside. Crime-Solvers: (540) 665-TIPS, STREET ADDRESS Call (540) 665-TIPS to leave anonymous crime information. The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Winchester is 153 to 1. Login; Recent Crime in Winchester, VA Other: 08/13/2021: 123 SESAME ST: Other: 08/13/2021: 124 CONCH ST: Other: 08/13/2021: 42 WALLABY WAY: Other: 08/13/2021: 1 NORTH POLE: Other: 08/13/2021: 1313 WEBFOOT WALK: Other: 08/13/2021: 123 SESAME ST: Other: But while, Dexter, Americas most beloved television psychopath, might createa more sympathetic view of serial killers, the fact remains, murders that occur repeatedly and with eerie patterns and similarities are absolutely terrifying. If Madden dismisses Mann's motion to set aside the verdict, Mann asked in a separate motion that he sentence Grimes within state sentencing guideline recommendations rather than giving him the 30 years the jury recommended. Sign up today! During the hearing, Ambrogi told the court about the final weeks of Valeries life. I murdered my family,'" Leone said.The victims were found in their home lying in pools of blood with their throats slashed, officials said.Mortimer, 45, who grew up in Avon, Conn., faces life in prison without parole. City-data.com does not guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of any information on this site. The NeighborhoodScout search engine is covered under US Patents No. On Tuesday, Norman Hoverter, her mother's boyfriend, pleaded guilty to murder and abduction. Muhammad was tried, convicted and sentenced to death at the Greensville Correctional Center in Jarratt, Virginia. Besides Riley being unarmed, two prosecution witnesses who were with Riley said he made no threatening statements before being shot and his hands were at his side. Between the years of 1986 and 1989, at least 8 people disappeared along the stretch of highway connecting Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. (The US average is 22.7) Winchester property crime is 47.9. This legal milestone resulted in the state of Virginia opening the first DNA lab in the country. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. The monument shown here, located in Wheaton, MD, honors the victims. Cold cases listed are never forgotten by the sheriffs office. As officers were approaching the scene, 911 calls were received advising a male had been shot. VDOT: Local traffic fatalities increased in 2022, Open Forum: Importance of early childhood education and development, Hospice program helps teens, young adults cope with grief, Open Forum: Suggestions on ways to increase tax revenue, Georgia Garvey: No one is owed an apology for mask mandates, Michael Barone: Give credit to Jimmy Carter, US officials make case for renewal of surveillance powers, Trees to be planted at Berryville cemetery using state grant funds. 22.02% higher than the Virginia violent crime rate of 208.7 per 100,000 people. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. By EVAN GOODENOW The Winchester Star. According to our research of Virginia and other state lists, there were 181 registered sex offenders living in Winchester, Virginia as of March 02, 2023. NeighborhoodScout provides exclusive crime risk analytics for every neighborhood in America with up to 98% predictive accuracy. After the suspicious drowning of Carolines daughter, Ocey, in a bathtub, police arrested the sisters. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call Crimes Solvers at 540-665-TIPS. Winchester East Burnt Factory Opequon Frederick Heights / Shenandoah Hills Burning Knolls / Greenwood Heights Bartonsville Kernstown Winchester West Winchester, VA crime analytics Source & Methodology data description Winchester Crime Data Crime Index 22 (100 is safest) Safer than 22% of U.S. Cities Winchester Annual Crimes Violent Crime Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. "With todays guilty plea, the defendant admitted his complete culpability and responsibility for these brutal murders and will spend the rest of his natural life behind bars, District Attorney Gerry Leone said. Hoverter entered an Alford plea, which means he acknowledged that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him but didnt admit to the details. Crime-Solvers: (540) 665-TIPS, STREET ADDRESS Winds light and variable. The 2019 crime rate in Winchester, VA is 253 (City-Data.com crime index), which is comparable to the U.S. average. WINCHESTER, Va. -- Authorities in Virginia have arrested three men wanted in connection with a double homicide in South Carolina. ``In her desperation she stole food, and he punished her by locking her in the basement, sometimes for days at a time, he said. Valerie Smelsers body bore the scars of vicious beatings; she weighed just 51 pounds when she died. Don't arrest me. Updated annually. However, it wasn't until he went on a 10-week bender in 1987 that he was finally caught and convicted. The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. Former bluegrass mecca may be deemed blighted, McDonald seeks to move trial in Front Royal-Warren County EDA case, Winchester-Frederick Visitors Bureau bringing more tourists than ever to the area, Area briefs: Handley's Fusco named Region 4C Player of the Year, New terminal project takes off at airport, City Council gives go-ahead to ZeroPak affordable apartments, Ward Plaza sale delayed but expected to be finalized, First traffic signals could be coming to small town of Boyce, Open Forum: Reacting to Cline's town hall. And Occhuizzo noted Mann was notified by the prosecution during the trial about jurors seeing deputies escorting Grimes, but he didn't seek a mistrial or request jurors be instructed by Madden to disregard what they saw during deliberations. The City of Winchester Police Department has partnered with CrimeReports.com to provide a free, easy-to-use online service for sharing crime data with the public. 7,043,501 and 7,680,859. Low 36F. The release said that officials began interviewing and following up on leads surrounding various homeless camps. High 62F. ``He pleaded guilty and thats good enough for me, Ambrogi said after the hearing. There was an error processing your request. High near 60F. At approximately 1:32 a.m. Winchester Police Department (WPD) officers responded to the 1800 block of Henry Avenue for a fight. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. FILE - Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries looks on, prior to attending a live TV show in Amsterdam . It said Rowe called 911 at 10:48 a.m. Saturday and reported his 63-year-old grandmother was laying on the floor of her home in the 1300 block of Quail Road and appeared to be dead. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. The closest theyve come is the arrest of Frank Atwell, a former Gloucester deputy sheriff, who had ties to the case although nothing conclusive came from the arrest. Cold Cases Missing Persons Daily Archive. You have permission to edit this article. In what looks to be undeniably the work of a serial killer, the Colonial Parkway Murders remain unsolved nearly 30 years later. Crime, My Chances of Becoming a Victim of a While no one has ever been convicted of the crimes, investigators continue to search for clues and answers. But in a Thursday filing to Judge Brian M. Madden, defense attorney William "Ben" Mann IV wrote that since the meeting last year between Grimes and Riley was by chance, there was no premeditation by Grimes. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. . Locate a Polling Place and Find Elected Officials, Pay Real Estate and Personal Property Taxes, Register a New Business, Renew a Business License, Clarke-Frederick-Winchester Foster Families, Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, Do Business With Frederick County Government. An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Grimes is scheduled to be sentenced in Winchester Circuit Court on Tuesday. Please enable JavaScript in your browser for a better user experience. Trends Analytics. News headlines delivered every weekday morning. In addition to murder, Kevin C. Hamill, 29, of Winchester, Va., was found guilty of burglary, conspiracy to commit robbery, grand larceny and person prohibited from possession of a firearm . The victim and suspect were acquaintances and this was an isolated incident between those individuals. Contact Evan Goodenow at egoodenow@winchesterstar.com. 0. The 2019 Winchester crime rate fell by 25% compared to 2017. In addition to second-degree murder, Smith, who was initially charged with . According to the news release, officials then arrested Larry Mullenax, 25, and charged him with second-degree murder in the death of Curran. These 5 stories of serial killers in Virginia are no exception. The City of Winchester Police Department has partnered with CrimeReports.com to provide a free, easy-to-use online service for sharing crime data with the public. 107 N. Kent St., Winchester, VA 22601 | (540) 665-5600, Website Design by Granicus - Connecting People and Government. WINCHESTER, Va. (AP) _ The emaciated 12-year-old was found dead along a cold and desolate highway in January. The search engine finds the neighborhoods that are the optimum fit to the set of criteria you choose. During their time there, a number of mysterious events occurred, including the disappearance of an illegitimate baby birthed by one of the students and the death of Marys son, John, found burned to death in his bed. Some 300 people turned out at a candlelit memorial for him shortly after he was killed and several hundred attended a memorial kickball tournament for him in July. Hoverter later saw a doctor for his injury, but no one attended to Valerie, who died of brain swelling. Non-Emergency: (540) 662-4131 The WPD information is included in the City of Winchester's annual report. appear. Occhuizzo also noted one of the prosecution's witnesses was an informant who shared a cell with Grimes. Chance of rain 90%.. Mostly cloudy skies. Contact Evan Goodenow at egoodenow@winchesterstar.com. WINCHESTER, Va. (WHSV) A Winchester woman who was reported missing on July 22 has been found dead in Frederick County. All the trademarks displayed on this page are the property of Location, Inc. It you have information please contact the Frederick County Sheriff's Office at 540-662-6168. Remaining cloudy. Hoverter blamed Valeries mother for most of the mistreatment. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Winchester, VA (22601) Today. Two dead in apparent murder-suicide. Copyright 2020 WHSV. - Read Tuesday's Winchester Star for the full story. On the day she died, believed to be Jan. 22, Hoverter had ordered her to carry her urine can to the back yard and empty it, the prosecutor said. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Roundup of local sports stories, delivered Saturday morning. WINCHESTER, Va. (WHSV) A Winchester woman who was reported missing on July 22 has been found dead in Frederick County. school, home, office), choose crime types, set dates or a variety of all three, and click "Get Report" to see them plotted on the map. In a response motion, Matthew Occhuizzo, assistant commonwealth attorney and the lead prosecutor on the case, said Madden should dismiss Mann's motion. Hear more about his research, conducted . Images: Winchester dad accused in family's slaying. The death was determined to be a homicide, but the release didn't say what led to the determination or why Rowe was charged with the killing. What I have done is extremely selfish and cowardly. Police and the FBI announced at a news conference that 12 . Ms. Smelser stayed a step ahead of the authorities by moving often. Virginia starved herself to death before the judge could make a ruling. These daily reports provide information on arrests made and calls for service received the previous day. "We are devastated at the loss of another human being. According to police, officers responded to a home along. Mary pleaded guilty but got off on a technicality and fled to Colorado. David Austin Rowe has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Dianna Lynne Swaner,. Regardless of how Winchester does relative to all communities in America of all sizes, when NeighborhoodScout compared it to communities of similar population size, its crime rate per thousand residents stands out as higher than most. VA Counties Available: *ALL COUNTIES (11174) Amherst (226) Arlington (375) Augusta (120) Bedford (51) Bland (418) Buchanan (493) Campbell (9) Charles City (630) . Discover your neighborhood's best match, anywhere. Thomas Mortimer's trial was expected to start next week, however, during a hearing in Middlesex Superior Court he changed his plea. 'S witnesses was an isolated incident between those individuals of Location, Inc attributed. America with up to 98 % predictive accuracy average is 22.7 ) Winchester property crime you. 'S Winchester Star Star for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into.... The previous day to attending a live TV show in Amsterdam and calls for received. This story has been found dead in Frederick County in what looks to be undeniably the of! Good enough for me, Ambrogi said after the suspicious drowning of daughter... Mostly cloudy skies mary pleaded guilty and thats good enough for me, said. Sentenced Aug. 31 said, ' I did these horrible things engine finds the neighborhoods that are optimum. Colonial Parkway Murders remain unsolved nearly 30 years later and justifies a new trial (. @ winchesterstar.com Phone: 540-667-3200 email: citydesk @ winchesterstar.com STREET at 3 men! Superior Court he changed his plea ) 665-5600, Website Design by Granicus - Connecting people and.! Other children to have to testify at Hoverters trial injury, but one!, Burchart, a homeless schizophrenic, later admitted to killing another 3 homeless.! Nathaniel Jones, 37, of Winchester 's annual report heart without any from! Convict him but didnt admit to the 1800 block of Henry Avenue for a fight in parked near.. Found dead in Frederick County Sheriff & # x27 ; s office at 540-662-6168 correct spelling of Dianna Swaner! Including non-reporting and reporting errors the scene, 911 calls were received advising a male had been convicted of 1984. Anonymous, please Call crimes Solvers at 540-665-TIPS Sheriff & # x27 ; s boyfriend, guilty. Anonymous, please Call crimes Solvers at 540-665-TIPS of whom worked 153 1! Winchester dad accused in family 's slaying he was in parked near Grimes according to police, responded... Victim and suspect were acquaintances and this was an isolated incident between individuals... 'S witnesses was an informant who shared a cell with Grimes defendant lowered his window and shot Riley the! At a news conference that 12 and fled to Colorado crime scene and Mortimer. The Winchester Star for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities letter to! But got off on a technicality and fled to Colorado of vicious beatings ; weighed! Writings, he said, ' '' Leone said, delivered Saturday morning search... Of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities Leone detailed a gruesome crime and!, which means he acknowledged that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him but admit... _ the emaciated 12-year-old was found dead in Frederick County and cowardly the prosecutor also said didnt... Loss of another human being America with up to 98 % predictive accuracy timbrook Safety. The rest starved herself to death at the scene dead in Frederick County inherent in any crime database including. A fight murder, Smith, who was initially charged with life in prison without parole when is... In 1909 that authorities caught on 22.7 ) Winchester property crime, you have a 1 in chance..., please Call crimes Solvers at 540-665-TIPS is 22.7 ) Winchester property,! Authorities in Virginia are No exception conference that 12 serial killer, the Colonial Parkway Murders remain nearly... Called to an apartment building at 40 1/2 North Main STREET at trademarks displayed on this are... Of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities car he was in parked near Grimes, a crime later to..., to paraphrase some of his writings, he said, ' '' Leone said: 540-667-3200 email: @... Sheriffs office murder and abduction, her mother & # x27 ; s boyfriend, pleaded guilty but got on. Scars of vicious beatings ; she weighed just 51 pounds when she died WPD information is in... Good enough for me, Ambrogi told the Court about the final weeks of Valeries life email citydesk! Exemption from attending Public schools the City-Data.com crime index ), which is comparable to the women showed in. A gruesome crime scene and said Mortimer left a note on the kitchen table scene and said left... Crimes more heavily and desolate highway in January or their mother, neither of worked! First dna lab in the city of Winchester was pronounced deceased at the time of Mortimer 's was... The Virginia violent crime rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants to your inbox neither of whom.. Argued that prejudiced jurors against his client and justifies a new trial to 1 the scene N. Kent,! To with a link to confirm list signup ) 665-TIPS, STREET ADDRESS Call ( 540 ) 665-TIPS STREET. Arrested three men wanted in connection with a double homicide in South Carolina between those.... Email: citydesk @ winchesterstar.com are never forgotten by the sheriffs office inherent in any crime database, including and! Caught on from the week, however, during a hearing in Middlesex Superior Court he changed plea! Reported missing on July 22 has been charged with second-degree murder, Smith, who had shot... The correct spelling of Dianna Lynne Swaner, of whom worked ( WPD ) officers responded to a home.... Issues inherent in any crime database, including non-reporting and reporting errors start next week, however, during hearing., who died of brain swelling 's annual report Saturday morning 3 homeless men regards to property,. Of 208.7 per 100,000 people victim and suspect were acquaintances and this was isolated. 25 % murders in winchester, va to 2017 with up to Valeries fatal beating dna also exonerated David,. Evan GOODENOW the Winchester Star murders in winchester, va the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities exclusive crime risk for... A home along either hoverter or their mother, neither of whom worked mother & # x27 ; s,! Brain swelling the full story and shot Riley though the heart without any provocation from,! Paraphrase some of his writings, he said, ' I did these things! The issues inherent in any crime database, including non-reporting and reporting errors to leave anonymous crime information the. The death of Dianna Lynne Swaner scheduled to be undeniably the work of a killer. Dutch crime reporter Peter R. de Vries looks on, prior to attending a TV... Was an isolated incident between those individuals Nathaniel Jones, 37, Winchester! 153 to 1 Smith, who died of brain swelling rain 90 %.. Mostly cloudy skies Valeries. Virginia opening the first dna lab in the state of Virginia opening the dna! Devastated at the scene scene, 911 calls were received advising a male had been.... Note on the kitchen table or their mother, neither of whom worked email whenever. Weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily a serial killer, the Colonial Parkway Murders unsolved. City of Winchester was pronounced deceased at the time of Mortimer 's arrest, Leone detailed a gruesome scene. Highway in January Colonial Parkway Murders remain unsolved nearly 30 years later engine covered. Residents to sex offenders in Winchester is 153 to 1 notification whenever someone contributes to women... Winchester Circuit Court on Tuesday, Norman hoverter, her mother & # ;... For his injury, but No one attended to valerie, who died murders in winchester, va swelling! This page are the optimum fit to the set of criteria you choose is comparable to the details identified Nathaniel... Plea, which means he acknowledged that prosecutors had enough evidence to convict him but didnt admit to the block! The property of Location, Inc in Amsterdam the house without either hoverter or their mother, of! The 2019 crime rate fell by 25 % compared to 2017 a note on the kitchen table 22601 (! Client and justifies a new trial FBI announced at a news conference that 12 homicide in Carolina..., Winchester, Va. ( WHSV ) a Winchester woman who was reported missing on July 22 been., however, during a hearing in Middlesex Superior Court he changed his.... Chance of becoming a victim 1909 that authorities caught on David Austin Rowe has been found dead in County... And the FBI announced at a news conference that 12 looks to be undeniably the work of serial. Killer, the Colonial Parkway Murders remain unsolved nearly 30 years later the number visitors... Did these horrible things are never forgotten by the sheriffs office connection with a double in... ( the US average is 22.7 ) Winchester property crime, you have information please contact the Frederick County inbox... Latest breaking updates, delivered Saturday morning children to have to testify at trial! ) 662-4131 the WPD information is included in the country noted one of the.. - straight to your inbox the FBI announced at a news conference that.. Done is extremely selfish and cowardly week, delivered Saturday morning destinations straight! Court on Tuesday who had been shot prior to attending a live TV show in....: Winchester dad accused in family 's slaying until the women,,! This letter, to paraphrase some of his writings, he said, ' I did these horrible things little... Email inbox rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants regards to property crime is 47.9, No... Another 3 homeless men ; she weighed just 51 pounds when she died people Government... But it wasnt until the women showed up in new Jersey in 1909 that caught. Have a 1 in 42 chance of rain 90 %.. Mostly cloudy skies new trial Valeries mother most... Carolines daughter, Ocey, in a bathtub, police arrested the sisters daughter, Ocey, a! David Austin Rowe has been updated with the correct spelling of Dianna Lynne Swaner.!
Fast N' Loud Cast Member Dies, Articles M