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Double Murder in Charlottesville: "Not A Random Act"

Charlottesville police say the murder of two women over the weekend was not a random act – that a man now in custody knew at least one of his victims. 

Police Chief Tim Longo said the arrest of 30-year-old Gene Washington came after officers  searched outside the Barracks Road West apartment complex and questioned neighbors about the brutal murders of elementary school teacher Robin Aldridge and her 17-year-old daughter Mani.

“The recover y of Robin’s car and the recovery of a substantial amount of evidence from a dumpster at is what drew our attention to that community and that particular location, and it was during the course of our investigation there that the name of Gene Everett Washington came to light.” 

Gene Everett Washington

They then learned Washington was on probation.  He had been convicted of grand larceny, breaking and entering and receiving stolen property in 2006, and officers determined he was in violation of his probation.  Longo also concluded Mani Aldridge knew her killer.

“Mani and Mr. Washington were known to each other.  I will not go into the extent of what, if any relationship may have existed, but we had no reason to believe that this was a random act of violence.” 

A Facebook photo of Washington suggests a possible gang affiliation, but Longo declined to comment on that.  On Facebook, Washington says, “Hurting ppl that’s not bothering you personally, is very WHACK...I DIS OWN ALL MY ASSOCIATION TO THE GANGSTER LIFE.”

Police say their investigation continues and they welcome any help from people who may have information or security camera videos that might show the Aldridge car en route to Barrack’s Road West.  Washington is set to appear in General District Court on February 19th.

Sandy Hausman is Radio IQ's Charlottesville Bureau Chief