🌱 New Record Expungement Procedure + Eldery Couple Murder-Suicide

Hello all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with everything you need to know about what's happening in Mount Vernon these days.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: A couple of morning showers. High: 69 Low: 42.
• Friday: Cooler with periods of rain. High: 47 Low: 42.
• Saturday: Warmer with some sun. High: 60 Low: 38.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and breezy. High: 57 Low: 33.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Mount Vernon? Partner with the Mount Vernon Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Mount Vernon today:

1. Fairfax County residents can now expunge their criminal records without appearing in court, according to an announcement made by Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano. Instead, residents can file paperwork for record expungement, which will be reviewed on a weekly basis. This change aims to streamline the previous process, which required individuals to appear in court for a hearing, creating challenges for those with scheduling conflicts or other barriers. (DCist)
2. On Tuesday night, an elderly couple was found dead inside their Fairfax County home, in what appears to be a murder-suicide. The couple has been identified as Janos John Gertler and Eva Anna Vas, both of whom were pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives spotted empty cartridge cases at the scene and believe Gertler shot his wife before taking his own life; however, autopsies will be conducted to confirm the official manner and cause of death. (FOX 5 DC)
3. Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club invites high school soccer players to attend MASC College ID Camp, where athletes can show their skills in front of college coaches. The Saturday, Mar. 11 session will be reserved for boys, while girls can come out on Sunday, Mar. 12; both will be held at Edison High School on Franconia Road. Those who wish to learn more or register can do so here. (Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club)

Coming up in and around Mount Vernon:

Thursday, March 2

• Gwen Bragg At Nepenthe Gallery: Scenes From Mount Vernon At Nepenthe Gallery, Alexandria (Fairfaxtimes.com)

Friday, March 3

• Member Shopping Day At Shops At Mount Vernon (4:00 PM)

Saturday, March 4

• Dress In A Weekend: Phillis Wheatley At Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center (All Day)

Sunday, March 5

• Dress In A Weekend: Phillis Wheatley At Donald W. Reynolds Museum & Education Center (All Day)

From my notebook:

• In case you missed it, Fairfax County Public Schools shared highlights from its most recent school board meeting. The next meeting is scheduled for Mar. 9 at 7:00 p.m. (Press Release Desk)
• State Senator Janet Howell, who has represented a significant portion of northern Fairfax County for over 30 years, has announced she will not be seeking re-election this year. Upon hearing the news of Howell's retirement, colleagues lauded her accomplishments and wished her well. (Tysons Reporter)
• The mother of a man who was fatally shot by Fairfax County police is calling for an independent review of the incident. View the full feature at the link. (NBC4 Washington)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Win $2,000 at the Alexandria Wedding Showcase! (March 5)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right. I'll be back in your inbox soon with another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.