Neighbors react to murder, investigation continues

The streets were once again quiet Monday morning in a neighborhood that had witnessed a murder just two days before.

Corey B. Best, 25, of the 11000 block of Bacon Race Road, was shot and killed outside his home early Saturday morning, according to Prince William County police. The victim was shot in the upper body and was pronounced dead on the scene.

Police have not offered any suspects or motives in the case and still list the investigation as ongoing.

A representative of the victim’s family had no comment Monday morning.

Neighbors said they were surprised to hear that someone was killed in neighborhood. No one said they were familiar with the victim or the victim’s family.

“It’s just not something that you would expect or ever see happen here,” said Deborah Dukes, who lives doors from where the victim was shot.

Dukes, and her husband Lyle, have lived on their 2-acre property for more than two years. They called the neighborhood normally quiet, with exception of a few speeding cars every now and then.

The couple said they were returning from a trip to London early Saturday and were surprised to see so many police cars in front of their home.

“We saw the cars line up and police tape that was strung across the road, but we thought it was a funeral procession” said Deborah Dukes.

The Dukes’, who are both pastors at a church in Woodbridge, said they are apart of a church-based neighborhood watch program designed to deter crime.

Lyle Dukes said he had not spoken with any of his neighbors since the event, but did say he addresses issues like this in his ministry.

Other neighbors who were outside Monday said the murder is unusual for the area.

“It’s not a violent neighborhood since I’ve been here,” said a resident who was jogging in the neighborhood. He said he had lived on Bacon Race Road for more than 22 years.