STAFFORD COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
NEWS RELEASE

HOMICIDE INVESTIGATION

Stafford, Va. The Stafford County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a homicide that occurred at 21 Kellogg Mill Road in Stafford County.

On Sunday, October 6, 2013 Stafford deputies responded to what was originally a cardiac arrest call. When deputies arrived on scene the investigation indicated that the woman that rescue was called for, Roberta Dewes, age 59, was the victim of a homicide. A family member found Ms. Dewes and immediately called 911. Roberta Dewes was last seen alive on Saturday, October 5, 2013.

Ms. Dewes was found deceased by a family member who had come by the house on Sunday to check on her welfare. A known associate of Ms. Dewes, John Douglas Cornell, age 45, who had access to Ms. Dewes vehicle, has been charged with 1 Count of Grand Larceny of that now missing vehicle. John Cornell is also wanted for questioning surrounding the circumstances of Ms. Dewes death. The method of death is not being released at this time.

The missing vehicle is described as a tan or gold 1999 Chevrolet Venture Van, extended version, with Virginia Registration JAH-1325. The van also has a rear hitch that is rusty.

If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of John Robert Cornell they are asked to call the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office at 540-658-4400 or Detective Todd Nosal at 540-658-4450. Citizens may also call Stafford Crime Solvers (where the caller may remain anonymous) at 540-659-2020 or TEXT “Stafford + your tip to CRIMES (27463).

Due to the sensitivity of the homicide investigation no other information will be available.

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