The husband of a woman who was reported missing in Pittsylvania County more than eight years ago has been arrested for her murder. Ruperto Escalante called authorities in 2016 to say his wife left him for another man. There was little interest in the case until 2022, when Soledad Najeera's sister asked for a status report. Multiple agencies began looking into Najeera's disappearance, which led to the execution of a search warrant at the couple's home earlier this week. Escalante reportedly confessed to abducting and killing Najeera and was arrested on Wednesday. He's being held without bond for suspicion of murder and kidnapping.
Authorities are trying to figure out what led to an overnight crash in Chantilly. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office says a Mustang ran off the road around 12:30 near the intersection of Loudoun County Parkway and Tall Cedars Parkway, hit a tree and rolled several times. Two passengers were killed while the man behind the wheel and a female passenger were hospitalized.
Governor Youngkin is establishing a task force to improve youth mental health.Preview: The City of Alexandria is getting into the holiday spirit this weekend with its annual tree lighting ceremony. The event will be held in Market Square in front of city hall tomorrow at 6 p.m. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit with families until the event ends at 8 p.m. The tree lighting marks the end of the city's year-long 275th anniversary celebration.