Stafford Women's Death Considered a Homicide

UPDATE 12 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8: Arrest Made in Homicide of Stafford Woman
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The death of a 59-year-old Stafford County woman is being investigated as a homicide.

"Stafford deputies responded Sunday, Oct. 6, to 21 Kellogg Mill Rd. for what was originally a cardiac arrest call," Bill Kennedy, Stafford County Sheriff’s Office public information officer, said.

"When deputies arrived on scene, the investigation indicated that the woman for whom the call was made was the victim of a homicide," Kennedy said. 

"Roberta Dewes was found deceased by a family member who had come by the house on Sunday to check on her welfare," Kennedy said.  That family member immediately called 911.

Ms. Dewes was last seen alive on Saturday, Oct, 5, Kennedy said.

"John Douglas Cornell, age 45, a known associate of Ms. Dewes who had access to her vehicle, has been charged with one count of grand larceny of that now missing vehicle," Kennedy said.  John Cornell is also wanted for questioning surrounding the circumstances of Ms. Dewes death. 

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

Anyone with any information as to the whereabouts of John Robert Cornell is 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).