A Quiet, Resolute March Against Fear
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In Loudoun, 200 Join Pre-Dawn Vigil a Week After Lethal Attack on Couple
Originally published at 9:30 a.m., March 29, 2009
Updated at 11:38 p.m., March 29, 2009
In its own way, it was as much a protest march as it was a tribute.
The candles they carried sputtered in the persistent pre-dawn mist yesterday, flames twinkling in the dark. Their feet shuffled as the near-silent procession wound its way along the road.
Exactly a week before, at the same time of day, on the same day of the week, the safety of that quiet corner of Loudoun County seemed to evaporate when two neighbors were attacked while on their routine morning stroll. Retired Army Lt. Col. William Bennett was beaten to death. His wife, Cynthia, also an Army veteran, was found critically injured in a ditch.
To many of those marching, the Bennetts were strangers. But to the defiant crowd of about 200 men, women and children, that didn't matter. This was their community, they said, the one they moved to because it was safe to walk the streets, regardless of the time of day.
They had come to reclaim it.
Photo Gallery
Lansdowne Walk
Tracy Hoviena, from Cascades, sheds tears during Sunday morning's vigil. In response to a recent homicide locals walked in the pre-dawn darkness to the scene where William Bennett was beaten to death in the early hours in Landsdowne. (Dayna Smith)
Teresa Battistelli, 25, of the Cascades, gets teary-eyed during a vigil held in response to a recent homicide. Locals walked in the pre-dawn darkness to the scene where William Bennett was beaten to death in the early hours in Landsdowne. (Dayna Smith)
In response to a recent homicide in Lansdowne, locals walked in the pre-dawn darkness to the scene where William Bennett was beaten to death and his wife was severely injured. (Dayna Smith)
In response to a recent homicide in Lansdowne, locals walked in the pre-dawn Sunday darkness to the scene where William Bennett was beaten to death in the early hours. (Dayna Smith)
"We're taking our neighborhood back," said Lansdowne resident Beverly Bradford, who sent out a notice to residents last week calling for the gathering. "We're not going to be intimidated by these cowardly acts."
The anger, sorrow and solidarity that coursed through the crowd yesterday had been building steadily since the attack. Last week, 1,000 people packed a community meeting to demand answers from investigators.
For the Leesburg area suburb, as in many similar communities, crime is typically limited to "quality of life" incidents, such as thefts from cars and graffiti, authorities say. Residents said the attack and the mystery behind it have given them no choice but to confront the matter head-on if they don't want to live in terror.
They had agreed to come together at 5:30 a.m. because that was when the Bennetts, of nearby Potomac Station, were probably "struggling for their lives," said Bradford, 60. Sheriff's deputies discovered the bloodied couple on a Lansdowne roadside while investigating a report of a suspicious white van. No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been identified, authorities said.
"I choose to not allow it to bring fear into my life," Lansdowne resident Marge Coakley, 48, said as she steadily made her way along a desolate Riverside Parkway, clutching a candle and a flashlight. She did not know the Bennetts.
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- March 25, 2009 -- Slain Man Had Been Contractor for CIA
- March 24, 2009 -- Authorities Eager to Interview Attack Survivor
- March 23, 2009 -- Pair Were Attacked on Morning Stroll
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"There's a lot of evil out there, but also a lot of good," she said. "Evil is not going to win."
Those who knew William Bennett, 57, remembered him as a family man and an avid hiker who had conquered the Appalachian Trail and had a Rocky Mountain trail close to licked. He was also described as a diligent worker who had been a contractor for the CIA and defense companies. He had spent time in Iraq training troops, former colleagues said.
Cynthia Bennett, 55, remains in critical condition at Inova Fairfax Hospital, where she is under round-the-clock guard by a sheriff's deputy. She has not been able to speak to investigators. She is the director of procurement for the Architect of the Capitol, the office that oversees the U.S. Capitol complex and other facilities. There are two adult daughters in the family.
William Bennett worked as a contractor at the CIA for several years, ending in 2000, officials said. He was retired at the time of his death. Loudoun authorities said they are in talks with the agency to see whether his professional background might be connected to his slaying. Sheriff's Office spokesman Kraig Troxell said that authorities are looking for at least three assailants and that the FBI and other federal agencies have offered assistance.
Yesterday's mile-long march began in the parking lot of a Lansdowne shopping center, where the gleam of automobile headlamps began to crisscross the pavement shortly before 5 a.m. The group set out at 5:30 a.m., bundled in slickers and parkas to fend off the chill and damp. They stuck to sidewalks as deputies directed traffic, the flashing red and blue lights on their patrol cars lighting the way at times.
In the group was Michael R. Spak, chairman of the Loudoun Crime Commission, a nonprofit organization, who said he used to work at the CIA and had known Bennett since the mid-1990s. Spak declined to discuss the specific nature of Bennett's work at the agency, but he said he did not think it was likely that Bennett's slaying was related to his career.
M.K. Cannistra
Map of the area in Lansdowne where a man's body was found in the early morning of March 23, 2009
"Espionage is a gentleman's game, for the most part," Spak said. "All countries do it. If someone is caught or something like that, or they know about you, it's not like on television where you rub your opponent out. . . . It's more of a cerebral game than it is a violent, James-Bond-firing-daggers-out-of-the-bottom-of-your-shoe-type thing. . . . Could Bill have made enemies? It's possible that we all did. Would that precipitate a personal attack on [Bennett] and his wife? It's not very likely."
Spak said his company hired Bennett for several stints as a contract worker, most recently in November 2007.
The attack, which investigators said might have been random, has resonated well beyond Loudoun.
"It's just shocking," said Bernadette Davis, 40, of Potomac Station, her pink raincoat hood cinched tight as she set off on yesterday's walk. "It was so brutal. . . . Why them? Why here?"
Those were questions on everyone's mind as the throng came to a rest on a bridge that spans Goose Creek, just yards from the now-flower-adorned patch of grass where Bennett's body was found. The marchers said prayers for the Bennetts and thanked them for their service to the country.
Then, in the chilled glow of the vigil, Felicia Crawley, a local choir director, sang the hymn "Come by Here, Lord."
She added an original final verse, and the crowd joined in: "We need answers, Lord."
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??????
Posted by ged0386 (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Whooppee!!! Next time, go out and get yourself a CCW permit, before you go walking in your neighborhood.
Posted by Computer_Forensics_Expert_Computer_Expert_Witness (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 5:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This murder and attempted murder are obviously tied to something this couple knew. No criminal just hangs around in the parking lot of a walking area, waiting on some random couple to beat up. For the people that live in the area, please realize that you are part of the world and have to use common sense just like the rest of us. One of the dumbest comments I have ever heard when anyone is interviewed over a crime story is "nothing like this ever happens here." It never happens because most of the dirt that occurs in these prosperous counties is behind closed doors or hushed in the police stations because the perpetrators are well connected to the police. Get over yourself and get real.
Posted by slang53979 (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 5:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mr. Bennett did actually have a VA CHP, but he elected to leave his handgun at home for the walk. It's a sad and unfortunate reminder that when you leave your claws at home, you become prey.
Posted by Goaltender66 (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 7:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
And who said crime and killings only occur in the state of MD!!
Posted by DreadfulinPG (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
It's good that the murder was reported. :(
Posted by sssquirrel (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Yes, let's all take our handguns with us while we go for a brisk walk.
Posted by Sapphire917 (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 9:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Posted by junglejamm (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 9:37 p.m.
We will always remember Erica H. Smith an Angel who was murdered in Ashburn.
On Friday another long time resident father, son and loved one was murdered. Jamie Lane.
May God bless the Loudoun County Police with wisdom and incredible insight to solve these senseless murders. Our prayers are with you Loudoun County Police. We know that you are one of the hardest working Police force in the United States! Innovate and revolutionize your technologies and use every tool available to find the murders who would threaten our very way of life.
Erica H. Smith a 14 year old angel did not deserve to have her life taken!!! Devastation!
This couple did not deserve this. Devastation! Our prayers are with the family!
Jamie Lane did not deserve this! Devastation! Our prayers are with this family.
There is too many names to list here.
We are with you! We understand that these things take time and that it does not happen like it does on T.V., overnight.
We can not let the criminals destroy our way of life anymore.
Jamie Lane was murdered on 3/26/2009 in Loudoun.
http://www.leesburg2day.com/articles/200...
Posted by GAPRDDESC (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 11:07 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Here is an excerpt (cut-n-paste) on the Jamie Lane story
The Leesburg Police Department has determined that the death of a 44-year-old man found yesterday 3/26/2009 in his Leesburg home was a homicide.
Around 3 p.m., officers were dispatched to 118 Adams Drive, NE. According to Lt. Jeffrey Dub/, spokesman for the Leesburg Police Department, a 911 call to alert officers to an unknown situation was made from outside the residence.
Upon arrival officers found Jamie Lane, lying on the living room floor. Lane had sustained an apparent wound to his lower abdomen. He was transported to the Loudoun Hospital Center where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy is being conducted today by the Medical Examiners Office to determine the cause of death.
Dub/ emphasized that the department does not believe there is any connection between this homicide and the homicide and assault that occurred earlier in the week in Lansdowne.
The Leesburg Police Department is asking that anyone who may have information about this incident to please call 703-771-4500. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the Leesburg Crimeline at 703-443-TIPS.
While they appear to have immediately ruled out items for Jamie Lane's murder, For the Landsdowne couple they stated "We haven’t ruled out any scenario at this point."
Posted by GAPRDDESC (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
On March 25, 2009, at 12:05 am, my nephew Antoine Tyler was killed in PG County. His killing is not receiving NO ATTENTION from any of the local media!! Had he have lived in Loudoun County, I am sure more would be done by the local authorities to solve his murder!!
Posted by davidhudgens2004 (anonymous) on March 29, 2009 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)
davidhudgens2004 - Sorry about your nephew. What happened in his murder? Do you know who killed him or why?
Posted by zimm1 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That this has occured is sad. I am sorry for what has happened to this couple. So much of what has been written on here sounds like racist, NIMBY, affluenza all wrapped into one. Sad. Next time you pay your ever increasing toll on the Greenway en route to your cul de sac in Loudoun, remember, it buys you nothing; you are not entering eutopia.
Posted by terryhil (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 9:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The 3-headed Medussa beast that destoyed America and made it a third world refugee camp are the below the border goyas with the backing of Uncle Scam and Wall St. because peso people will work for less than dollar people. Is it any wonder why revolution is in the air coast to coast to coast?
GOYA GO HOME AND GIVE US BACK OUR "YOBS."
SOS-USA
Posted by macarthur168 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 9:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)
DavidHudgens, I am very sorry for your family's loss and you have every right to be mad. My concern for the citizens of PG and MoCo County for the past 15-20 years has been that they would turn into hubs of criminal activity, and under the current liberal leadership of both counties that has happened. I hope Loudoun does not go the same way or we will be the next PG County - and it could be my family member murdered.
Posted by cheekymonkey (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 9:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
cheeky:
No worries mate, Loudoun will NOT end up a haven for suspected illegal alien gang-bangers like ms13. Like our President said; we are "shovel ready." The hell with the gun, where can I get an RPG?
Posted by macarthur168 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 10:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Charles Manson, Jeffery Dahmer, Cho, goya gang-bangers, and suspected illegal aliens with very sophisticated yet counterfeit ID's that they use to steal our "yobs", are but a few examples of what a society with too much tolerance produces.
SOS-USA
Posted by macarthur168 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
macarthur168 - Who are you kidding? LoCo already has. I've held a CHL for over 10 years and had gotten lax about leaving it at home. No more. The recent murders aside, robberies are also increasing. Sad to say, but when the economy goes south the crime rate increases at exactly the same time when the the Sheriff's budget gets cut.
Posted by gieriscm1 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
gieriscm1
Not ALL of LoCo; just parts of it are infected, like Leesburg, Sterling, and Herndon. But the infestation will be terminated in Ashburn, Lansdowne, Belmont, Broadlands, etc.
Soon the vermin will vacate Virginia entirely.
Posted by macarthur168 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11 a.m. (Suggest removal)
What I notice is whenever a person is beaten to death it seems to be done by someone they know. Beating is usually a personal crime. Law enforcement may want to check the family tree to see who benefits from their deaths. One stereotype you can associate with white middle class families in quiet neighborhoods is they tend to try to kill their loved ones to collect inheritance or insurance. It would not suprise me if this was not one of those instances. Who is just sitting by at 5:30 am by chance? The people who attacted them knew they would be out walking. It was not robbery and there is no report of their credit cards being used so the only purpose for attacking them was to murder them. Why would someone want to murder them just for the sake of having them dead? Family or aquaintance.
Posted by ged0386 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
macarthur168
Why is it that Virginians never want to take responsibility for any of their problems? Its always someone elses fault. The democrats, the illegals, its never regular Va residence who vote against their own interest fault. Now every crime, every budget deficit, every issue with health care, even if an appartment building catches on fire in VA its the illegal immigration problem that is faulted. Before the illegals were the blame it was the welfare mothers, code word for blacks in the 80's and 90's. Whenever funding was short it was those welfare families taking up all the resources from the hard working people, causing crime and so forth, now it is always the illegals doing everything. The thing is everytime people like you blame illegals you are actually blaiming yourselves because you did nothing to stop them from comming and you welcomed the cheap labor for years while VA went through its development boom in the 80's and 90's. What, you did not notice who was building your nice housing communities all those years? You did not care that they were the ones doing your lawns? Why do you think illegals came to states like VA and NC? Because there was work. VA businesses welcomed the very group that you call vermin now. So keep that in mind the next time you blame VA's problems on illegals. You invited them.
Posted by ged0386 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My Father Jammie Lane was murdered here in Leesburg March 26,2009. I pray that anyone comes forward with info. to the police. My father and the rest of the families that were brutally taking from us all is horrible. My fathers life was robbed from him from us.R.I.P. Dad I love you.
Posted by FREE2CHOOSE9202007 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Not ALL of LoCo; just parts of it are infected, like Leesburg, Sterling, and Herndon."
Lansdowne is the murder capital of Loudoun CO. Deal with that. Then yap about the rest of the county. PS .. Herndon isn't in Loudoun.
Posted by mitlen (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
MAcarthur, surely you are jesting. Crime won't stop at any hidden border - whether it be Sterling, Leesburg or Herndon. We have the policies of our BOS to blame if a couple things do not take place. Funds need to be made available to those depts within the county that fight zoning, ordinance problems and law enforcement. These depts are understaffed and underfunded and have been for years and now the chickens are coming hom to roost (sorry, couldn't resist). We are on the verge of escalating felony crimes and a further nosedive in the economy, a bad combination.
If funds are not allocated to fight crime and other issues that are having an impact on the quality of life in LoCo, there will be a large voice of "I told you so's" coming from a a couple interested citizen's groups. Don't let the politicians (BOS) talk about bi-partisan agreements, demand they fund the proper departments. If the school budget gets whacked, so be it. It is better to be safe than sorry, and we will be very sorry if we let our quality of life in LoCo continue to decline.
Posted by cheekymonkey (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks "cheekymonkey". That's what I was trying to say (LOL). Though lots of folks want to be blind and pretend that there's a demarkation line of crime. We're all in this. If it's here (Sterling), it's there (Lansdowne).
Posted by mitlen (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ged0386
You are very benighted on some issues. Allow me to edify and euclidiate you on a few points.
Its human nature to blame somebody when something goes wrong; just look at Capital Hill. Now that the US is finished as a 1st world superpower, the first to get the blame for our decline will be those who shouldn't be here. What side are you on?
I do agree with you that this is what happens when the masses remain mute and too tolerant.
As for the negros, I cannot for the life of me understand why they aren't taking up arms already; since, after almost 400 years of being here, they got demoted by the suspected illegal aliens in less than 2 decades as of the 2000 Census. Maybe its because the NAACP was paid off by Wall St. for the cheap labor goyas provide.
That will NOT happen to US. We are the Alpha-Americans and if they don't leave soon, they're gonna find out the hard, militant way.
Caucasions and Negros stand together against the below the border viral infection.
SOS-USA
Posted by macarthur168 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
ged0386:
By the way; random acts of violence occurs ALL THE TIME. This is especially true for gang-banger wanna be's looking to earn their stripes. Murder is sometimes a part of the initiation process. These weren't ex-CIA spooks, nor were they family members, the perps are suspected illegal alien heathen.
SOS-USA
Posted by macarthur168 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
What kinds of comments are these? Two people will brutally attacked and now one is dead - can't people just mourn without it turning into something political or racial? Every community has the right to be angry when such violent acts occur. If this is going on MD counties all the time then get angry and force your community leaders to do better instead of mocking a community that is trying to fight back. We are all responsible for where we live - turning to guns or blame or whining is not the answer... coming together as a community is - and that is all these folks are trying to do.
Posted by JJ321 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
To FREE2CHOOSE: My deepest condolences on the death of your father. No one should ever have to deal with a loved one taken from them by violence. It is so painful to lose a parent. I hope that anyone with information about this crime will go to the authorities immediately. The killers must not be allowed to get away with their horrible acts. Justice must be done.
To: DavidHudgens - my sincere sympathy in the death of your nephew. Your anger is understandable. All of these murders need to be given the attention required to solve these crimes. A life lost through violence is a terrible loss for us all.
May everyone who has lost a dear loved one or friend find comfort and strength during this painful time.
Posted by momof2 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 12:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"What kinds of comments are these? Two people will brutally attacked and now one is dead - can't people just mourn without it turning into something political or racial?"
JJ321,
Welcome to LoCo....
Posted by llm (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 12:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
First off, JJ321 Loudon County is in VIRGINIA, not Merryland. And turning to guns is the ONLY sensible thing to do. Thankfully, Virginia is a state that respects personal liberties, and the citizens are free to carry any gun (concealed if they have a license), unlike the socialist states of Merryland, DC, and New York.
That said, Loudon is fast becoming a rural version of Fairfax--a safety haven for illegals who are warmly welcomed by the local government. Arlington already looks tike Tijuana, with the crime and drugs to match, and there's no hope for them. This influx of liberals into NoVa has turned it into a hotbed of minority and illegal invasion, most of them criminals. Prince William County, is the one bright spot. We are not under the control of the dumbocrats and kicked out all are illegals out on their ass*s a year ago, but instead of heading north of the Potomac, to Merryland (which treats the illegals better than true Americans), they found opening arms in Arlington and Fairfax...and now Loudon.
I remeber back in the day Loudon used to be a very pleasant county, but all you here about now is gang violence in schools, murders, rising poor minority populations, thefts, and other crime. You couldn't pay me to live there now.
Posted by uva2manassas (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 1:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear JJ321 Loudon County is in VIRGINIA you need to go back and check your memory! Remember the W&OD railroad tracks and the murders?
Posted by GAPRDDESC (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 2:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
uva2manassas
First of all, Based on some of these post many VA residence are to racist and dumb to even tell who is illegal or not. To aomw Virginians every latino is illegal and every black is a thug. Meanwhile people like Cho and the 19 9/11 hijackers probably live next door to you same people for years and because they did not seem like the threatening enemy race of people at the time you ignored their status and behavior. How in the hell are you going to take up arms and fight crime when you cant tell the criminals from the law abiting citizens? The biggest threat to VA residence is their own ignorance.
Posted by ged0386 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 3:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Mitlen, I knew where you were going, lol.
J3321, What does "coming together as a community" mean? If people don't understand the issues surrounding their local gov't, funding, crime rates, gang problems, etc - how can they "come together"? Prayer vigils and community walks are wonderful ways for a community to express sorrow, but once everyone goes home they need to ponder the issues and decide which way our county should go - the PG Cty Md way - or do they want to preserve our quality of life in Loudoun?
I am always asking people to get involved by contacting their supervisors, be well versed in the issues and ask the right questions. Yelling at Sheriff Simpson because 2 people got brutally murdered when you have done nothing to ask for additional funding for the LCSO, but advocated unlimited spending on schools, is hypocritical. I'll say it again, we are on the verge of having a gold plated school system and unsafe streets. It is your choice Loudouners.....
Posted by cheekymonkey (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 3:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
GAPRDDESC... I know Loudon is in VA - The people complaining in these comments are saying that in PG County and MoCo (which are in MARYLAND) this happens all the time and no one does anything. YOU should go back and read more of the posts.
Cheekymonkey - coming together as a community means all the things you said - including mourning together. Who is to say these people don't understand what is going on? Who is to say they aren't demanding more - you don't know their level of involvement. My point was that there is nothing wrong with these people being upset and holding a vigil and they don't deserve the nasty and unsympathetic comments posted today.
Posted by JJ321 (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 4 p.m. (Suggest removal)
JJ321, I wasn't nasty to the people who participated in the vigil, but if you got those people together again and asked them who had contacted their Supervisor on safety in LoCo, very few would raise their hands. There is broad apathy in our county, heck everywhere - until something happens. Then there are public vigils and community meetings and....? Crickets chirping... Nothing changes.
The reason I use MoCo and PG Counties is because they are very close to us in proximity and USED to be very nice places to live. If we allow LoCo to go the way of the MD Counties we are in a world of hurt. People used to say "Don't Fairfax Loudoun" - well, the growth was inevitable but we (the BOS) managed to make a lot of mistakes and very few people questioned them. Those mistakes are coming to fruition right now, because when times were good and Sheriff Simpson was asking for more Deputies and funding the BOS (for 12-16 years) clucked their teeth and gave the schools the lion's share of the budget. You can't have it both ways, white boards or safety? We should have been funding safety.
Posted by cheekymonkey (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 4:50 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Dear JJ321 (anonymous) I was referring to your inaccurate fond memories of the past and the notion there were no random murders in Loudoun in the past. I then told you to remember the bicycle trail/ old railroad murders and rapes that happened along the trail from east to west. You are suggesting that the murders started with the growth in Loudoun and this is totally inaccurate information. We have quietly dealt random acts of violence for more than 40 years however, Loudoun County Police will not tolerate this and will solve these murders. This is the wrong county to come and commit these senseless acts. It takes time. I accidently copied Loudoun is in Virginia from your post. I understand the anger but we must partner with the first responders and hold them in prayer. They sacrifice there lives for us and we owe them our support. Be andgry but not at the ones who are from sun up to sun down trying to protect you! The hurt from this is too great and can be accidently misdirected to the very force that will help us solve this!
Posted by GAPRDDESC (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 5:41 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The people who have been murdered and are named in this blog are descendants from the very fabric of Loudoun County, VA and come from families who have been here since the 1600s. Erica H. Smith, Jamie Lane and Edward Cook, Sr. all come from ancestors who built and have contributed to the success of Loudoun County so that each of you could enjoy a quality of life next to none! It is a travesty that possible transplants would come to our Historic region and territory and destroy our very way of life!!! The Loudoun County Police does not tolerate this and let me tell you the murderers will be caught! It takes time this is not the movies! This is real life and this awesome police department will not allow this! They have protected this County and this is the wrong county to come to and think you will get away with murder! Loudoun is the corner stone of this nation and the rich history of the territory is incredible. I am continuing to pray for the Loudoun County Sheriffs office and every last officer that is investigating these tragic murders as well as put their lives on the line for us everyday. This couple did not deserve this nor did Erica H. Smith, Edward Cook, Sr. and Jamie Lane! We will remember the dash between birth and death and that is the life they have lived and how the impacted our lives everyday. This is our daughter, our brother, our father our son …we stand together and we are all Lanes today and Smiths and Cooks and Bennets today. We love each of them and they will be missed. These fine upstanding citizens each of them will always be remembered. Long time Loudouners are all family and connected one way or another and we welcomed the newcomers who want to join in the legacy of Loudoun and contribute to this awesome place, so Jamie’s son know that we are here for you and love you very much and stand with you in your time of grief. We are holding you in prayer everyday.
Posted by GAPRDDESC (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 5:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Sorry to JJ321 (anonymous)the message was met for uva2manassas (anonymous) not JJ321 (anonymous):
Dear uva2manassas (anonymous) I was referring to your inaccurate fond memories of the past and the notion there were no random murders in Loudoun in the past. I then told you to remember the bicycle trail/ old railroad murders and rapes that happened along the trail from east to west. You are suggesting that the murders started with the growth in Loudoun and this is totally inaccurate information. We have quietly dealt random acts of violence for more than 40 years however, Loudoun County Police will not tolerate this and will solve these murders. This is the wrong county to come and commit these senseless acts. It takes time. I understand the anger but we must partner with the first responders and hold them in prayer. They sacrifice there lives for us and we owe them our support. Be andgry but not at the ones who are from sun up to sun down trying to protect you! The hurt from this is too great and can be accidently misdirected to the very force that will help us solve this!
Posted by GAPRDDESC (anonymous) on March 30, 2009 at 6:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)
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