Couple Found Dead in Manassas Basement During Welfare Check

Photo byPrince William County Police

Early Sunday morning, a welfare check at a home in Manassas, Virginia, led Prince William County police to a grim discovery. Responding to a call at 2:39 a.m. on Hanson Grove Court, officers entered the residence and found a man and a woman fatally shot in the basement. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities quickly identified a person of interest who was later detained in Brunswick, New Jersey. The nature of this individual’s connection to the case remains under investigation, but police believe the victims were known to the suspect. No charges have been filed at this time.

Neighbors in the typically quiet cul-de-sac expressed shock and unease at the unfolding events. Michael Von Gersdorff, a resident of the area, was startled when police knocked on his door at 3 a.m., informing him of a potential murder nearby. Von Gersdorff noted that he hadn't heard any suspicious sounds, such as gunshots, earlier in the night.

A woman claiming to be the daughter of the female victim told News4 that her mother had been living in the basement with her husband, and the basement was being rented out by the homeowners. This revelation added a personal dimension to the tragedy, leaving neighbors unsettled.

Many neighbors admitted they did not know the victims personally but were disturbed by the violent incident. "It's tough. We're out here every single night playing with our kids in the court," Von Gersdorff said, reflecting the community's shock. Police are continuing their investigation and have asked anyone with additional information to come forward.