In the autumn of 2015, the life of Leon Williams, a 37-year-old Black male, was tragically cut short in Alexandria, Virginia. On the night of October 7, just before midnight, gunshots echoed through the courtyard of Belle Pre Plaza on Belle Pre Way. When Alexandria Police Department officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Williams suffering from a gunshot wound. He was quickly transported to a local hospital, but his injuries proved to be fatal, and he died shortly after arrival.
The investigation into the shooting that claimed the life of the Alexandria resident unfolded over the following year. Authorities worked to piece together the events of that night and identify those responsible for the city's second homicide of the year. Their efforts and cooperation from the community gradually led to breakthroughs in the case.
In May of 2016, the first significant development occurred when police arrested 26-year-old Brian Bolar of Dumfries. He was charged with murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with Williams' death. The investigation continued, leading to a second arrest in October 2016. James Bolar, 33, of Lorton, was taken into custody and faced charges of murder and the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Both men were held without bond following their arrests.
