FAST FINISHING RAIDERS: An inspired third quarter helped Stonewall Jackson down Osbourn 42-8. Sports, Page 12
October 17, 2018 | Vol. 17, No. 42 | www.PrinceWilliamTimes.com | 50¢ Covering Prince William County and surrounding communities, including Gainesville, Haymarket, Dumfries, Occoquan, Quantico and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
Family, fellow soldiers testify in effort to spare Hamilton’s life Staff sergeant faces death or life in prison for killing police officer, wife
By Amanda Heincer Times Staff Writer
During the first four days of the sentencing phase of Ronald Williams Hamilton’s capital murder trial, prosecutors sought to demonstrate why Hamilton should be sentenced to death. Since Oct. 9, Hamilton’s defense attorneys have attempted to show jurors why his life should be spared. “Mitigation is any reason to choose life or not to choose death,” defense attorney
Vivian Hernandez told jurors in her opening statement Oct. 1. “It can be anything that you hear about Ronnie, about his life, about his family and even something within you, within your own sense of fairness.” The jury in Prince William Circuit Court on Sept. 26 found Hamilton, 34, guilty of 17 offenses, including capital murder, for the Feb. 27, 2016, shooting deaths of his wife, Crystal Hamilton, and Prince William County police officer Ashley Guindon. The jury also found Hamilton guilty of shooting
two other police officers who were seriously wounded but survived. In the first part of the trial’s sentencing phase, prosecutors called witnesses who described past incidents in which Hamilton acted unpredictably with police and others. Witnesses described two separate earlier incidents in which Hamilton threatened two men with a firearm. Other witnesses described his troubled decade-long marriage, during which both partners had affairs.
See HAMILTON, page 3
Ronald Williams Hamilton
ISO: 14,000 Prince William residents eligible for Medicaid New rules take effect Jan. 1; enrollment beginning now By Karen Chaffraix Times Staff Writer
TEAZER BOX: This is a sample of the text for a teazer. Page ##
Celebrating Haymarket for 30 years Haymarket Day, set for this Saturday, Oct. 20, marks the 30th anniversary of the annual event. Typically held on the third Saturday in September, this year’s parade and activities were rescheduled due to Hurricane Florence. The Haymarket Day Parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Washington Street. INSIDE Calendar...............................................9 Classified............................................18 News....................................................2 Obituaries...........................................17
86 WARRENTON, VA
appletoncampbell.com
The
The commonwealth has launched a campaign to spread the message far and wide: An estimated 400,000 Virginians will be eligible for free health insurance under Medicaid beginning Jan. 1, and an estimated 14,000 of them live in Prince William County. As a result of the state legislature’s action earlier this year to expand Medicaid under the federal Affordable Care Act, the eligibility requirements for the state- and federally-funded health-care program for low-income residents have expanded, opening Medicaid coverage to many who may not have qualified before.
See MEDICAID, page 3
Opinion...............................................11 Puzzle Page........................................12 Real Estate..........................................16 Sports.................................................13
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Prince William Times | www.princewilliamtimes.com | October 17, 2018
At registration deadline, Prince William voter rolls top 282,700 By Jill Palermo
Times Staff Writer
As of this week, Prince William County’s voter rolls topped 282,700 — an all-time high. The county’s voter rolls climb continually as Prince William’s overall population grows. And voter registration numbers typically rise most swiftly in the weeks and months before a big election. But the last several weeks have been particularly busy for the Prince William County Office of Elections, according to Senior Assistant Depu-
ISSN 1050-7655, USPS 188280 Published every Wednesday by Piedmont Media LLC How to reach us ADDRESS: 41 Culpeper Street Warrenton, Virginia 20186 PHONE: 540-347-4222 FAX: 540-349-8676 HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 24-hour answering service Publisher Catherine M. Nelson, 540-300-4780 cnelson@fauquier.com NEWSROOM Editor in Chief Chris Six, 540-212-6331 csix@fauquier.com Managing Editor Jill Palermo, 540-351-0431 jpalermo@fauquier.com
ty Registrar Matthew Wilson. Since Sept. 1, the county fielded a whopping 25,000 voter-registration applications, an unusually high number the registrar’s office attributes to the “National Register to Vote Day” and similar efforts promoted heavily over social media, Wilson said. Most of the applications were from people already registered to vote, but the county added about 1,000 new voters to its rolls in September alone, Wilson said. Since November of 2017, the county added about 10,000 voters.
Associate Editor John Toler, 540-351-0487 jtoler@fauquier.com Community Editor Anita Sherman, 540-351-1635 asherman@fauquier.com Staff Writers Amanda Heincer, 540-878-2418 aheincer@fauquier.com James Ivancic, 540-878-2414 jivancic@fauquier.com Jonathan Hunley, 540-351-0431 jhunley@fauquier.com Karen Chaffraix, kchaffraix@fauquier.com Sports Editor Peter Brewington, 540-351-1169 pbrewington@fauquier.com Sports Staff Writer Jeff Malmgren, 540-874-2250 jmalmgren@fauquier.com ADVERTISING Ad Manager Kathy Mills Godfrey 540-351-1162 kgodfrey@fauquier.com
Classified Sales Consultant Jeanne Cobert, 540-878-2491 jcobert@fauquier.com Chairman Emeritus George R. Thompson To place Classified and Employment ads: Call 540-3511664 or fax 540-349-8676, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday — Friday or email fauquierclassifieds@ fauquier.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Call 540-347-4222 Help with your subscription? Call 540-878-2413 or email CirculationFT@fauquier.com Missed your paper? Call 540-347-4222, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays Subscription: $39.95 per year within the United States. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Fauquier Times, 41 Culpeper St., Warrenton, VA 20186. Periodicals postage paid at Warrenton, Va. and at additional mailing offices
“It’s definitely crazier than it usually is, and definitely crazier compared to four years ago. I think people in general are more amped up for this election than they usually would be.”
MATTHEW WILSON Senior Assistant Deputy Registrar Prince William County Office of Elections,
Since November 2014, the last federal mid-term election, the county’s voter rolls have swelled by more than 48,000 voters, according to Virginia Department of Elections records. In-person absentee voting, which has been underway since Sept. 21, is also logging strong numbers. As of last week, about 2,000 ballots had already been cast. The voting office also had mailed nearly 5,000 absentee ballots. Wilson said the office seems to have received more requests for absentee ballots this year from students away at college. “It’s definitely crazier than it usually is, and definitely crazier compared to four years ago,” Wilson said. “I think people in general are more amped up for this election than they usually would be.” Wilson said he doesn’t know exactly what’s driving registration numbers or in-person absentee turnout. So far, they’ve seen no particular jump that can be specifically tied to the controversial confirmation of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Brett
Kavanaugh, he said. In-person absentee voting will continue every weekday until Saturday, Nov. 3 at three locations in the county: the Woodbridge DMV, the PWC Office of Elections and the Haymarket Gainesville Library. Voters on Nov. 6 will elect a U.S. senator, either incumbent Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, or Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chairman Corey Stewart, a Republican. All 435 members of U.S. Congress are also up for re-election. In the City of Manassas, local contests are on the ballot, including three seats on the city council. In Prince William, there’s also a special election for school board chairman. The three candidates on the ballot include Interim School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, Gainesville District School Board Representative Alyson Satterwhite and newcomer Stanley Bender. Any Virginian can check or update his/her registration information or register for the first time at the Virginia Department of Election’s Online Citizen Portal, available at vote.elections.virginia.gov. Registered voters can also preview their ballot and request an absentee ballot through the state website.
How to vote early Prince William voters who work or attend school outside the county or meet other criteria can cast “in-person absentee ballots” — basically, vote early — at the following locations and times. The last day to cast an in-person absentee ballot is Saturday, Nov. 3.
PWC Office of Elections
9250 Lee Ave. Suite 1 Manassas, Va. M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays Oct. 27 and Nov. 3: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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OctOber 27, 2018 Great MeadOw, the Plains, VirGinia
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Woodbridge Department of Motor Vehicles
2731 Caton Hill Road Woodbridge, Va. M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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OctOber 27, 2018 Great MeadOw, the Plains, VirGinia Haymarket Gainesville Great MeadOw, the Plains, VirGinia • Races run rain or shine. • Pari-mutuel betting, bring
• Races run rain or shine. • Pari-mutuel betting, bring your cash. • Gates open at 10am, first of eight races at 12 noon. • Questions, please call 540.347.2612.
Community Library • Races run rain or shine. • Pari-mutuel 14780betting, Lightner Road bring your ca • Gates open at 10am, first of eight races at 12 noon. • Questions, please call 54 Haymarket, Va. call Ginia • Gates open at 10am, first of eight races at 12 noon. • Questions, please 540.347.261 M-F: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday: • Pari-mutuel betting, bring your cash. 8:30 a.m. to noon Saturdays, Oct. 27 and Nov. 3: noon. • Questions, please call 540.347.2612. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
FROM PAGE 1
Prince William Times | www.princewilliamtimes.com | October 17, 2018
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ISO: 14,000 Prince William residents eligible for Medicaid MEDICAID from page 1
and trained personnel — in full-time, permanent positions — who will work to process the county’s new Under Virginia’s existing Medicaid program, enrollees, Handy said. even disabled adults could not qualify for Medicaid “Virginia is doing everything to make applying if they made more than $9,700 a year. Childless, and on-boarding new Medicaid recipients a simple, non-disabled adults did not qualify for Medicaid at straightforward process. They want to make sure all, no matter how little they made. they don’t have the technical problems Obamacare Starting Jan. 1, all adults making up to $16,700 [the Affordable Care Act] experienced initially,” a year — whether or not they have children — will said Virginia Hospital Association’s Kelly Cannon. be eligible for Medicaid. In general, Medicaid is deMore than 200,000 Virginians who are expected signed for the disabled; low- and no-income adults to be eligible for Medicaid based and children; and low-income elon their current enrollment in othTo apply in person derly residents. (See table, right.) er programs for low-income resiEveryone who currently does Prince William County Department dents — such as the Supplemental of Social Services not have health insurance and Nutrition Assistance Program, inManassas Office: thinks they might now qualify for Sudley North Government Center formally known as food stamps, or Medicaid is encouraged to apply as FAMIS, Virginia’s health-insurance 7987 Ashton Avenue Suite 200 soon as possible, said Holly Handy, program for low-income children Woodbridge Office: a program manager with Prince Dr. A.J. Ferlazzo Building — will receive letters informing William County’s Department of 15941 Donald Curtis Drive Suite 180 them of their new eligibility for Social Services. Telephone: 703-792-7500 Medicaid, Handy said. Handy explained the details for Department hours: Sudley North and Others can apply in person at the expanded Medicaid program Ferlazzo lobbies open 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. any Virginia Department of Social during an Oct. 10 meeting at the Applications can be dropped off in the services office or by calling Cover Prince William Chamber of Com- drop boxes in the Ferlazzo and Sudley Virginia at 1-855-242-8282 or visNorth lobbies between 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. merce. iting: www.coverva.org. “Up until now, we were offering Anyone applying who needs aslimited Medicaid coverage based on income and sistance with their activities of daily living should age. But those guidelines have changed,” Handy answer “Yes” to question 9 on the new application. said. This helps to identify people with more complex In September, every child enrolled in Virginia healthcare needs. public schools was sent home with a flyer delivering Applications for Medicaid can now also be filed information about this new opportunity to apply for on the website commonly known as the “marketMedicaid. place,” set up to help identify region-specific, low“We’re asking everyone to pass the word,” Handy cost insurance plans based on individual needs. said. The Affordable Care Act “marketplace” is availMedicaid is a health-insurance program that cov- able at www.healthcare.gov/ and www.commoners services such as doctor’s appointments, hospi- help.virginia.gov. talization, prescription medications, maternity care, Those who qualify for Medicaid will receive a newborn care, behavioral health care and more packet in the mail within six days. New enrollees through the Commonwealth Coordinate Care Plus must chose an HMO provider through which they (CCC+) Medicaid programs. will receive Medicaid-covered services. If no specifApplying is easier and faster than ever before, ic doctor is chosen, one will be assigned. “This will lower the number of visits people make Handy said. Prince William County will have 18 newly hired to the emergency room, when what they really need
Who is eligible for Medicaid? Virginia lawmakers expanded the state’s Medicaid program to cover those making up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. As of Jan. 1, low-income adults making up to $16,754 are eligible for Medicaid. For married couples and children, eligibility depends on income and family size. Source: coverva.org Annual income Family Size is less than 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Monthly income
$16,754 $22,715 $28,677 $34,638 $40,600 $46,562 $52,523 $58,485
$1,397 $1,894 $2,391 $2,887 $3,384 $3,881 $4,378 $4,875
is a treating physician,” Handy said. There is no dental or vision insurance offered with the expanded Medicaid program, “but there are other programs that might be available for the applicant. We would only know by their application,” Handy said.
No work requirement for now
Virginia lawmakers passed Medicaid expansion with a work or volunteer requirement for new, non-disabled adult enrollees and have filed for a waiver from the federal government to add the requirement, as it is not part of the federal program. The state has not yet received its waiver, however, and therefore the work requirement will not immediately go into effect when the program is expanded Jan. 1. “Although that could change in the future” if the waiver is approved, Handy said. As of now, there are also no co-pays for Medicaid recipients, although that could also change, especially for those earning near the income thresholds. Undocumented immigrants are generally not eligible for Medicaid. “We do look at citizenship status, but we do not report to any agency about that status. The applicant either qualifies for Medicaid based on the information they give us, or they don’t,” Handy said.
Family, fellow soldiers testify in effort to spare Hamilton’s life HAMILTON from page 1
Prosecutors also called the two injured officers to the witness stand as well as family members of both Guindon and Crystal Hamilton, who described the impact the shootings have had on their lives. The defense has so far called several of Hamilton’s family members, childhood mentors and fellow soldiers to the witness stand to testify in Hamilton’s behalf. Jurors saw dozens of family photos of Hamilton throughout his life, ranging from baby photos and photos of large family gatherings to photos of Hamilton as a young private in the Army and photos of Hamilton with his wife and their now 13-year-old son. Several of Hamilton’s family mem-
bers described his childhood and their relationship with him. Each said they still had a relationship with Hamilton and hope to continue having one in the future. Hernandez asked Hamilton’s mother, Diane Williams, why she still wants to have a relationship with her son. “Why?” Williams asked. “He’s my son and I love him.” Hamilton’s mother and sister, Cassandra Williams, also testified about loss of Crystal, whom both said they loved and considered a part of their family. “It hurts,” Cassandra Williams said, crying as she testified. “When you love people… it’s a great loss.” “Ronnie’s friends and family are heartbroken,” Hernandez said in her opening statement. “His family mem-
bers grieve, but not just for Ronnie. His family members also grieve for Crystal because she was also a part of their family. They loved her. They’re sad, they’re angry, but they chose to be here. They still see value in his life.” The defense team also called several witnesses who served in the Army with Hamilton. As a young enlisted soldier, Hamilton deployed to Iraq in 2003 at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His fellow soldiers testified about the fear and danger they faced while deployed there as part of a signal battalion. Hamilton’s battalion was responsible for setting up communications in Iraq, and the soldiers faced dangers as they patrolled the area, as their convoy traveled from Kuwait to Iraq and as they lived at the airfield in Mosul, the
soldiers testified. Several of the soldiers said they’ve since been diagnosed with PTSD and appeared to struggle with their emotions as they testified about their deployment. Hamilton deployed to Iraq a second time in 2005. Defense attorneys have not yet presented evidence directly about how the war affected Hamilton but have hinted at its effects. On the day of the shootings, Hamilton told the first detective he spoke to that he thought he might have PTSD, though he had not been diagnosed by a doctor. The defense team expects to conclude its case this week. Reach Amanda Heincer at aheincer@fauquier.com
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