There are a number of unsolved murders and missing person cases in Fairfax County, and more than a few of them are in Lorton. These cold cases have stymied police for years, but all it takes is a refreshed memory to help bring it all back and remember a detail that might lead to the greatest hope that the victims' families have been seeking - a resolution.
There is a $1,000 reward for information that leads to a final judgement in each of these cases.
Victim: Leonard Green (aka "Spider")
Date: Jan. 16 or 17, 2000
Incident: Green was shot and killed at 9898 Furnace Road in Lorton, and his body was later found on Floral Park Road in Prince Georges County, Md.
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Victim: Melissa Brannen
Date: December 3, 1989
Incident: Five-year-old Melissa Brannen was attending a holiday party with her family at the Woodside Apartment Clubhouse, and was about to leave the party with her mother when she went to get more potato chips and never returned. Caleb Daniel Hughes, a groundskeeper at the complex, was arrested and charged with abduction with the intent to defile and sentenced to 50 years in prison. But Brannen was never found, and Hughes (who will be released in 2025) has maintained that he is innocent. Read more about the case here.
Victim: Terri Blackstock
Date: July 14, 1980
Incident: She was found deceased at 11215 Gunston Road
Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Victim: Farnum Burton
Date: April 6, 1975
Incident: Burton, who was 17, was shot to death and found in chains in a catfish pond near 10900 Harley Road. It took more than a year to identify his remains, as his parents were divorced and thought that he was with the other. Read more about the incident here.
Victim: Izzard M. Wright
Date: August 18, 1974
Incident: Wright was found murdered in the Washington D.C. Department of Corrections, Lorton Youth Center #1
Victim: Marta Santa Cruz
Date: July 4, 1961
Incident: Santa Cruz was found strangled near Dogue Creek on Independence Day. She was sexually assaulted and was still wearing her jewelry when she was found. More on that case can be found from the Washington Examiner.
Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to call 703-691-2131 or contact CrimeSolvers 866-411-TIPS. Callers may remain anonymous.
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