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Police: Wertz Drive Shooting Death Leads to Woodbridge Arrest

Man charged with first degree murder after the Wednesday night homicide, according to Prince William County Police.

Police have arrested and charged a man with first degree murder after another Woodbridge man was shot along Wertz Drive in Woodbridge, Prince William County police spokesperson Jonathan Perok said. 

Aric Alexander Smith, 25, of Woodbirdge, was also charged with armed robbery and using a firearm in commission of a felony.

Police initially responded on Feb. 20 at 9:40 p.m. to the 3700 block of Wertz Drive for a report of shots fired. 

"Witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the area on foot who was believed to be the shooter," Perok said. "The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation revealed that the victim was walking his dog in the area above when he was approached by an unknown man, identified as the accused. During the encounter, the accused shot the victim and took property belonging to the victim before fleeing the area."

The victim was identified as Gregory Holley, 55, of Woodbridge. A description of the accused was given to police, and off-duty PWC Police Lieutenant Carlos Robles responded and found Smith on Cardinal Drive. After a reported struggle, Smith was arrested. 

"The accused was found to have some personal property belonging to the victim on his person at the time of the arrest," Perok said. "The gun used in this incident had also been reported stolen on Feb. 15 from a vehicle in Montclair."

At this time, police do not believe the victim and Smith knew each other. 

Smiths' court date is June 19. He is being held without bond.

kcgoat26 February 21, 2013 at 05:05 pm
mr ebert
make him rest in peace
Diane February 21, 2013 at 05:35 pm
Please tell us what happen to his dog. Who is talking care of the poor dog?Is the dog safe?
Sheila Beaty February 21, 2013 at 06:50 pm
Not to sound unsympathetic here, Don't get me wrong I love animals, But a Man Lost his LIFE, Murdered in cold blood !!! For what ?? a few things he may have had in his pockets. The Dog is least of any concerns. My thoughts and Prayer for his family..
( I'm Sure the Poor Dog is doing a lot better than his owner )
Joe George February 21, 2013 at 06:52 pm
Prayers going out to Mr. Holley's family. This is why I tend to walk our dog instead of my other family members.
AK February 21, 2013 at 06:52 pm
this man is murdered in cold blood without a reason, and you're worried about the dog? are you retarded?
Mrs. V February 21, 2013 at 07:19 pm
May God give strength and peace to the Holley family during this time of despair and to Mr. Holley's church family at The Life in Woodbridge Va.
Mrs. V
Trish February 21, 2013 at 08:29 pm
The dog went home, which is how ther wife knew something was wrong.
Katie Naas Mahoney February 21, 2013 at 08:43 pm
I don't think that asking about the dog is out of bounds. No one is denying that what happened is horrific.
Lizzie M. Johnson February 21, 2013 at 09:06 pm
My heart is saddened because of this senseless death of my Brother in Christ Mr. Holly. I sit down beside him on Tuesday night at a meeting I thought I had to attend and we carried on a conversation as we we usually do when me meet each other. He was always a pleasant man and i had no idea at the time I would be writing this comment. I would like to say my deepest sympathy goes out to his family and the New Life Anointed Ministry Family in Woodbridge Va. I asked God will this ever stop? I am asking all of you that knows how to pray,pray for His family and the New Life Family in the time of our bereavement. May God Bless you.
rrevans February 21, 2013 at 09:38 pm
F--- the dog, a soldier and law enforcement officer died here,
La. Taylor February 21, 2013 at 10:25 pm
Agreed. Wondering about the dog is normal. Dogs have such love for people. The life of this innocent dear man is horrific, and beyond words to state our shock. We live near this area. What is going on? Can we no longer walk our animals at night? Who was this horrible man who took this man's life??
Manasses Bruton February 21, 2013 at 10:38 pm
I am very very sad to day my Son in the Lord has left us and he will be missed. We are praying for the family and the church. I reciver the news and was at a lost what to do or to say.God is still a good God. Bro. Greg was and is Loved more than most. He always had a smile a hug for you. I will keep the Family and My Church family in pray. may God Keep us all.
Yvette Harris February 21, 2013 at 11:58 pm
Prayers go out to the family, may they have peace knowing he was a true solider for god and will now be in the kingdom.
Rachel Leon (Editor) February 22, 2013 at 01:51 am
TD, this comment has been deleted because it violated our terms of service.
Rodney J. Watson February 22, 2013 at 04:05 am
I would like to send my prayers to the family, and especially to his wife. I too am a retired ATF agent, I knew and respected agent Holly; he will forever be missed. Rodney Watson
Angie Jackson February 23, 2013 at 01:01 pm
My thought and prayers go out to the Holly family. What is happening in our community. I thinks it time that we all come together and take this area back. They have non-violence ralleys in Richmond and in D.C what about the cities in between? God is waiting for his soldiers to rise up and take a stand to save these misguided souls.

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