Stolen vehicle conks out on interstate; situation helps police nab suspect in dual murder

UPDATE

Double Murder Investigation *ARREST | VICTIMS IDENTIFIED – On Tuesday, April 2, 2024 Prince William County Police Department detectives charged a suspect allegedly involved in the killings of two women which were reported to have occurred at the Westgate Apartments and Townhomes located in the 8100 block of Porter Ridge Ln in Manassas (20109) earlier that day.

The investigation revealed that county police officers had responded to the area around 12:45AM for reports of a man with a gun. At the same time, a 61-year-old man called police separately to report he had been carjacked at gunpoint by an unknown man in the 8100 block of Portwood Turn in Manassas.

Officers responded to the area and spoke to the initial victim who had just parked his vehicle and was approached by the suspect who brandished a firearm and took his vehicle. The victim was unharmed during the incident.

Officers checked the area and were unable to locate the suspect or the stolen vehicle, information about which police then entered into a national database and also notified law enforcement in area jurisdictions.

Several hours later, officers received information from law enforcement in Shenandoah County that a man, later identified as the accused, was being detained in their jurisdiction after his vehicle had reportedly become inoperable in the area of I-66 and I-81. The accused walked to a nearby convenience store where authorities were notified, and the vehicle he was driving was confirmed as stolen from Prince Wiliam County.

During the investigation, police learned additional information that they said prompted concern and a welfare check at the apartment on Porter Ridge Ln in Manassas. Officers made several attempts for someone to answer the door and subsequently breached the apartment where the two victims were located deceased with gunshot wounds to the upper body.

According to the police report from Lt. Jonathan Perok, Prince William County police department spokesman, both victims and the accused were known to each other. Following the investigation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for the accused, identified as Edward James JACKSON BLAND, who remains in custody in Shenandoah County.

Lt. Perok said detectives are continuing to investigate the incident to determine what led up to the shooting and are seeking to speak with anyone who has information that could aid in the investigation.
Charged on April 2:
Edward James JACKSON BLAND, 36, of 9809 Town Ln in Manassas
Charged with 2 counts of murder, 1 count of carjacking, and 3 counts of use of a firearm in the commission of a felony
Court Date: Pending | Status: Incarcerated

Identified:
The deceased women were identified as Leann Renee HARRIS, 34, and Asia PAYNE, 22, both of the Manassas area.         

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Prince William County police at 703-792-6500 or submit a tip online at pwcva.gov/policetip.

Double Homicide Investigation [Previously Released] – On April 2, 2024 at 5:12AM, Prince William County Police Department officers responded to the Westgate Apartments and Townhomes located in the 8100 block of Porter Ridge Ln in Manassas (20109) to investigate a shooting. The investigation revealed two adult women were found inside the residence by police during a welfare check, both appearing to have been shot. Both victims were pronounced dead on the scene. A person of interest has been detained in Shenandoah County who is presumed to be connected to the incident. The parties involved are believed to be known to one another, and the incident does not appear to be random. No charges have been obtained at this time. Detectives are actively investigating the incident to determine what led up to the shooting and are seeking to speak with anyone who has information to aid in the investigation. The identities of the two deceased women will be released pending notifications of a next-of-kin. More information will be released as it becomes available. The investigation continues.