🌱 Winchester Murder Suspect Competent To Stand Trial + Senate Race

Hello, everybody. It's me, Rose Mendez, your host of the Winchester Patch newsletter — here to tell you everything that's fit to print about what's happening locally.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 86 Low: 62.
• Tuesday: Periods of sun; not as warm. High: 76 Low: 61.

From our sponsor:

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Here are the top three stories today in Winchester:

1. First-degree murder suspect and Winchester resident Demetrius Dominique Brown, 20, has been found competent to stand trial for the May 21, 2021 fatal shooting of 18-year-old Jaiden Isaiah Myers and wounding of then-17-year-old Zevyn Dokes in Winchester. Brown also asked Judge Brian M. Madden if he could retain another lawyer in Winchester Circuit Court on Friday, Jun. 16. According to Brown, his current lawyers are not "100 percent backing" Brown's desire to go to trial. The judge denied his request and Brown's five-day jury trial is scheduled for Jul. 24. (Subscription: Winchester Star)
2. On Tuesday, Jun. 20, Winchester voters will choose the Republican nominee for the state Senate District 1 race. The eight candidates include Lance Allen, James Bergida, Blaine Dunn, Timmy French, Dave LaRock, John Massoud, Brandon Monk and Brad Pollack. Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., call Winchester: 540-545-7910 with questions about polling locations. (Subscription: Winchester Star)
3. On Thursday, Jun. 29, Handley Library will host its Annual Rockin' the Library event! Beginning at 4:30 p.m., the family-friendly event includes a new line up of children's authors/illustrators, a bounce castle, Kona Ice, live music, freebies, and more! Learn more here. (Handley Regional Library System via Facebook)

Today and tomorrow in Winchester:

Monday, June 19

• 2023 Briede Family Vineyard 5k & 1M At Briede Family Vineyards (11:00 AM)

Tuesday, June 20

• Chat & Playdate At Handley Regional Library (11:00 AM)
• Free: Winchester Royals Vs. Waynesboro Generals At 1001 E. Cork Street (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• In observance of Juneteenth, the City of Winchester's government offices, courthouse, and Jim Barnett Park Rec Center will be closed today (Monday, Jun. 19). The outdoor pool will remain open. Yard waste is cancelled and recycling will be moved to Wednesday, Jun. 21. (Winchester City VA via Twitter)
• Winchester's Board of Architectural Review recently rescinded its decision to allow a Winchester Historic District homeowner to keep a gateway installed without the BAR's approval. John Megale, who owns the 203-year-old single-family home at 119 S. Washington Street, must remove or alter the round gateway columns in front of the home. (Subscription: Winchester Star)
• Looking for your dream home or just curious about local real estate prices? Check out the latest homes for sale in the Winchester area, including a four-bedroom in Stephens City for $489,000. (Winchester Patch)

Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— Rose Mendez

About me: Rose Mendez is a freelance writer. She is studying English Literature at Hunter College. She loves reading, walking around the city, and coffee!