Three Arrested in Manassas City Thanksgiving Homicide

The Manassas City Police Department has apprehended three suspects in the shooting death of Jose Tomas Velasquez.

Velasquez, 44, of Manassas, was killed 1 a.m. Friday, Nov. 25, just after leaving a Thanksgiving party at a friend’s home.

According to Manassas City spokesperson, Patty Prince, officers responded to the 9200 Block of Byrd Drive to a report of a stabbing. They found that the Hispanic male victim had been shot twice in the abdomen after getting into a confrontation.

Velasquez succumbed to his injuries in the hospital and died.

According to Police Chief Douglas Keen, the investigation revealed that Velasquez was shot by two suspects, both males.

A third individual then picked up the suspects and drove off in a vehicle.

Monday, Nov. 28, police determined that the get-away vehicle had previously been used in a crime in the Town of Culpeper.

Further investigation allowed police to obtain multiple search warrants, which then led to the arrest of three suspects.

Suspects and arrests:

• Desmond Cordell Woodson, 18, of Kirby Street, Manassas Park, was arrested Dec. 1. He has been charged with 2nd-degree murder.
• Daiquan Lamar Thompson, 18, of Baton Rouge Court, Centreville, was arrested Nov. 30. He was charged with 2nd-degree murder and a robbery from an unrelated incident.
• Bobby Lewis Thomas, 21, of Buttress Lane, Manassas City, was arrested Nov. 30. He was charged with accessory after the fact to 2nd-degree murder.

Chief Keen released a Youtube video to the media outlining the situation which led to the homicide and arrests.

In the video, the chief offered his condolences to the victim's family, saying.“We want our prayers also to go out to the Velasquez family. He was a hard worker, contributed to this community and was well-known.”

Keen announced that the community will hold a prayer vigil for Valesquez, Thursday night.

The Town of Culpepper, Manassas Park Police Department and the Northern Virginia Game Taskforce assisted the Manassas City Police Department in the investigation.