Woman Convicted Of Lesser Charge In Manassas Killing OF Ex-Boyfriend

MANASSAS, VA — A woman has been convicted of voluntary manslaughter rather than second-degree murder in the killing of her ex-boyfriend in Manassas.

Last Wednesday, a jury found Lisa Myers, 60, guilty of voluntary manslaughter, the Prince William County Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney said. The conviction relates to the Nov. 27, 2021 killing of Travis Deardorff, 49, of Manassas.

"As with many homicide cases, this was a difficult case to prove," said Commonwealth's Attorney Amy Ashworth in a statement. "We believed the evidence supported a finding that the murder was premeditated and with malice. That said, we respect the verdict of the jury and hope that the message has been sent that gun violence will not be tolerated in our community."

Police had responded to the home in the 13500 block of Bradford Ln. in Manassas on Nov. 27, 2021. Prosecutors say Myers, the homeowner, called 911 to report that she shot Deardorff in the head. Deardoff was her tenant and ex-boyfriend. The two had an argument, leading Myers to retrieve a loaded revolver from her bedroom. When Deardoff opened the bedroom door and recorded the interaction on his cell phone, Myers shot him in the head.

A judge released Myers from the Prince William County Adult Detention Center on a personal recognizance bond despite prosecutors' objections. Due to her felony conviction, Myers cannot legally own or possess a gun again.

Sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 18. The manslaughter conviction would lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison.