Crime & Safety

Cold Case: 1973 Shooting Death Near Woodbridge Hotel

PWC's Cold Case Unit is seeking information regarding Melvin Leroy Deans, a Statesville native who was shot near a Woodbridge hotel in 1973.

The Prince William County Cold Case Unit is hoping to bring closure to the 41-year-old case of a man shot to death near a Woodbridge hotel.

Melvin Leroy Deans, formerly of Statesville, was 33 when he was last seen leaving the Druscilla Hotel Dec. 28, 1973.

Deans was reportedly traveling to his workplace, the Americana Fence Co., to pick up a check Dec. 18. His body was found in the woods near Oregon Avenue in Woodbridge. An autopsy confirmed he died from gunshot wounds.

Find out what's happening in Woodbridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Those with information regarding this case or any Prince William County cold case are asked to contact the Cold Case Unit at (703) 792-7279 or send an email to policedept@pwcgov.org.

Letters with information or other materials are also accepted and should be addressed to Cold Case Unit, Prince William County Police Department, 15948 Donald Curtis Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22191.

Find out what's happening in Woodbridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact the Crime Solvers hotline at (703) 670-3700 or 1-866-411-TIPS.

Image: PWC Cold Case Unit

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