Virginia News

Headlines rattle the calm of Stafford with multiple DUI arrests

Stafford, VA

Deputies made multiple DUI arrests over the weekend following several incidents. An intoxicated driver was reported at a local store on November 29. The driver, James Fitzpatrick, 70, of Stafford, was arrested after Deputy E. L. Jones detected an odor of alcohol.

In a separate incident that same night, a driver sped past with a speed of 105 mph on I-95. Frank Armenteros, 36, of Alexandria, face multiple charges including DUI, reckless driving, and possession of concealed weapons.

Public intoxication charges were also filed against individuals who displayed symptoms of alcohol consumption. Kanfory Yattara, 25, was charged after being found unsteady and slurring his speech on November 28. Jahn Payton, 39, of San Jose, California, was similarly charged after complaints at a local Wawa.

John Conover, 58, of Spotsylvania, was arrested for public intoxication after authorities responded to a drunk driver complaint.

In another incident, Clayton Coley, 24, of Nokesville, was apprehended for possession of a controlled substance after being found passed out behind the wheel of a parked vehicle at Sheetz.

These incidents highlight continued efforts by law enforcement to address alcohol-related offenses in the area.

Man gets life sentence for shooting two Latino men over immigration anger

Spotsylvania, VA A 58-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to two federal hate crimes. Douglas Wayne Cornett was convicted for shooting two men he believed were illegal immigrants.

U.S. District Judge Roderick C. Young imposed the sentence on Thursday, March 1, 2024. Cornett had also discharged a firearm during a federal crime of violence.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia announced the sentencing on Friday, March 2, 2024. On the night of February 28, Cornett followed a box truck on Interstate 95 and opened fire with a 9 mm handgun.

Witnesses said Cornett began honking at the truck which was driven by “Victim 1.” After the truck pulled off at a gas station, Victim 1 contacted a friend, noted as “Victim 2,” who arrived to ask Cornett why he was being followed.

Cornett asked Victim 1 how long he had been in the United States before pulling out his weapon and firing several rounds. Four bullets struck both victims.

Victim 1 sustained serious injuries and was shot twice in the stomach and once in the arm. Victim 2 was shot in the stomach.

Cornett drove home and informed his roommates of the shooting. He was arrested the following day.

During interrogation, Cornett admitted to the shooting and expressed his anger over illegal immigration. Court documents reveal he had contemplated violence towards undocumented migrants.

Cornett’s previous discussions included fantasies about using military weaponry against migrants. Friends noted he was heavily influenced by cable news related to immigration.

Judge Young’s sentence included life terms for each hate crime and an additional 10 years for the firearms charge.

Couple sentenced for death of infant daughter in Virginia

Norfolk, VA

A Virginia couple has been sentenced for the death of their nine-day-old daughter, I’ijayah. Hilary Darnell Johnson II, 24, received a 19-year prison sentence for second-degree murder. Z’ibreyea Shantel Parker, 22, was sentenced to 10 years for child abuse.

The child was pronounced “cold to the touch” when brought to a local hospital on May 4. The couple claimed I’ijayah fell from her stroller two days earlier.

Investigations revealed a history of neglect. Hospital staff observed signs of abuse including burns and bruises on the child’s body. An autopsy confirmed the child died from blunt trauma and burns.

Prosecutors noted their inability to determine which parent inflicted the fatal injuries. Both parents denied causing harm to I’ijayah.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Ramin Fatehi expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding the case. The court proceedings followed a plea deal in which charges were reduced for both parents.