Prosecutorial discretion: Martese Johnson did nothing wrong—nor did ABC agents, says Chapman

Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney Dave Chapman spent nearly three hours June 17 presenting almost every scrap of information about Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control agents’ March 18 takedown of UVA student Martese Johnson that left him with 10 stitches on his forehead. The prosecutor, who dropped charges against Johnson June 12, was sympathetic toward both the student […]

Capital indictment against alleged double slayer

The man accused of killing Robin and Mani Aldridge is now charged with capital murder in the commission of a robbery and robbing a residence. On June 18, Gene Everett Washington and his attorney appeared in Charlottesville Circuit Court to learn the additional charges. Investigators believe Washington beat the school teacher and her daughter to […]

‘Bad dream’: Jesse Matthew victim tells how assault affected her

“I felt utterly helpless,” she said. “I feared this was to be the end of my life.” A rapt Fairfax courtroom gave the woman attacked by Jesse L. Matthew Jr. a chance to convey the terror he inflicted, testimony that could play a role in putting Matthew behind bars for life. The 33-year-old Charlottesville man […]

UVA spending $450K to give Rotunda that ’70s look

The Rotunda is the central structure of University of Virginia’s present and past. It’s a neoclassical architectural masterpiece designed by the founder, Thomas Jefferson, that has become so revered that the UN named it a World Heritage Site. And now, as part of a $52-million renovation, it’s getting a rooftop paint job costing over $450,000. […]

Robert Tracci launches Albemarle prosecutor campaign

Albemarle Republicans are giddy to have a candidate for commonwealth’s attorney, and several dozen of them, including Supervisor Ken Boyd and former supe Rodney Thomas, gathered in front of the Albemarle Circuit Court June 10 for Robert Tracci’s campaign kickoff. “Have you seen his resume?” asked Clara Belle Wheeler, State Board of Elections member. The former federal prosecutor […]

UVA students 2, ABC agents 0 in high-profile arrests

Within two minutes, charges for public drunkenness and obstruction of justice against UVA student Martese Johnson were dropped Friday morning, and supporters in the courtroom burst into applause—followed by an order from the judge for quiet in the courtroom. Charlottesville Commonwealth’s Attorney Dave Chapman told Judge Robert Downer that following the Virginia State Police criminal […]

Aldridge murders: Gene Washington goes to grand jury

  Gene Everett Washington’s DNA was found on a blood-stained knife, towels and rubber gloves in a dumpster outside of his Barracks West apartment, according to evidence presented in Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court June 11. The DNA also matched that of Mani Aldridge, the slain daughter of Robin Aldridge, both of whom were […]

Hydrilla attack: Lake Anna battles invasive aquatic weed

Lake Anna has shown great hospitality to an unwanted guest for over two decades. Hydrilla, an aquatic weed not to be confused with the mythological nine-headed marsh serpent Hydra, has festered in its waters since 1990. The bad news (for some) is it’s spreading again. The good news (for all) is it isn’t wrapping itself […]