Virginia man charged in deaths of 2 counselors

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — A 19-year-old Virginia man has been charged in the deaths of two female counselors for a program that houses at-risk youths, police say.

Ronald Francis Dorsey Jr. of Woodbridge is being held without bond Saturday on two counts of murder in the deaths of Lizeth Yadira Lopez, 36, and Erica Janelle Hickson, 37, according to Prince William County Police. Both are counselors of at YouthQuest Independent Living, which houses and works with at-risk youths, according to police.

A spokesman for the program would not answer questions by phone Saturday.

A colleague reported Hickson missing from her shift on Thursday night. Police discovered her body at around 1 p.m. Friday in a wooded area in Woodbridge near where Dorsey lives, according to detectives, who also said he is part of the YouthQuest Independent Living program.

The Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney said the victims were Dorsey’s counselors and supervised him at the apartment complex.

Audrey Stewart said Hickson was a friend of her daughter and like an aunt to her grandson.

“A good mother. I mean she’s a dedicated mom,” Stewart said. “Even my grandson who’s shy, like, loves her.”

Lopez, who had been missing for days in April, was discovered dead about a quarter-of-a-mile away from the non-profit’s apartment on April 29.

Dorsey has a court appearance scheduled for Oct. 3.