Leann Renee Harris : “Manassas Townhome Tragedy: 2 Women Shot Dead – News”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Manassas police investigation
2. Manassas homicide case

A Manassas man has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder in connection with a double fatal shooting that claimed the lives of two local women: Leann Renee Harris, 34, and Asia Payne, 22, both of the Manassas area. Prince William County police have identified the suspect as Edward James Jackson Bland, 36. The victims and the suspect knew each other, but were not related. The incident took place in an apartment in the Westgate area of Manassas. The suspect was apprehended after a carjacking incident, and the investigation is ongoing. This marks the seventh and eighth criminal homicides in the county this year.

Tragic Double Fatal Shooting in Manassas

A devastating incident occurred in the quiet town of Manassas, where two local women, Leann Renee Harris, 34, and Asia Payne, 22, lost their lives in a double fatal shooting. The suspect, Edward James Jackson Bland, 36, has been arrested and charged with two counts of murder in connection with this tragic event.

Details of the Incident

The Prince William County police identified the victims and the suspect on Tuesday night. The women and the alleged shooter were known to each other, although they were not related and did not reside in the apartment where the shootings took place. The police arrived at the apartment on Porters Ridge Lane in the Westgate area of Manassas at approximately 5:12 a.m. on Tuesday, April 2, where they found the two women with gunshot wounds to the upper body. Tragically, both women were pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Investigation and Arrest

It was revealed that Bland carjacked a 61-year-old man at gunpoint at 12:45 a.m. on the same day to flee the area. The carjacking victim reported the incident to the police, stating that his vehicle had been stolen by an armed man in the 8100 block of Portwood Turn in Manassas, just a block away from where the fatal shootings occurred. Despite an extensive search, the suspect and the stolen vehicle were not initially located.

Several hours later, law enforcement in Shenandoah County detained Bland after his vehicle broke down in the area of Interstate 66 and Interstate 81. The stolen vehicle was identified, and Bland was taken into custody. Subsequent investigations prompted a welfare check at the apartment on Porter Ridge Lane, leading to the discovery of the two victims.

Continuing Investigations

As the investigation continues, detectives are working diligently to determine the circumstances that led to this tragic event. They are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Bland remains in custody in Shenandoah County, and updates will be provided as the case progresses.

Tragic Pattern of Homicides

The deaths of Harris and Payne mark the seventh and eighth criminal homicides in Prince William County this year. Unfortunately, the county has seen a concerning trend of women being victims of homicide, with six women murdered since the beginning of the year, most at the hands of their spouses or partners.

Recent Incidents in the County

In recent months, there have been several tragic incidents involving women in the county. Taty’ana Cooks, 30, was fatally strangled, while Desire Alexandria Buggs, 24, was fatally shot in her husband’s car. Brittnee Yvonne Posey, 30, was the victim of a murder-suicide, and Egypt Zapporah Carter, 23, was found dead in a parked car. These incidents highlight the urgent need to address domestic violence and protect vulnerable individuals in the community.

In conclusion, the Manassas community is left reeling from this senseless act of violence, and the impact of this tragedy will be felt for a long time to come. Justice must be served, and measures must be taken to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future. Let us stand together as a community in support of the victims and their families during this difficult time.