City of Alexandria Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter, center, holds a copy of his book “The Parable of the Knocker” at a book discussion Oct. 7 at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College. With Porter are School Board vice chair Veronica Nolan, Porter’s father John Porter, City Council member Amy Jackson and Cathy David. Photo by Janet Barnett/Gazette Packet
Bryan Porter, Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria, discussed the details of the case against serial killer Charles Severance, which is the basis of his new book “The Parable of the Knocker,” at a presentation Oct. 7 at the Alexandria campus of Northern Virginia Community College.
Porter, who was only a few months into his elected role as Commonwealth’s Attorney, detailed the investigation, prosecution and trial of Severance, who was ultimately convicted of killing three people in Alexandria between 2003 and 2014.
Porter outlined how the case progressed, from the killing of Nancy Dunning in 2003 to the murder of Ronald Kirby in 2013 and Ruthanne Lodato in 2014. All were shot in their homes.
Despite no guns being found in each of the murders, Porter successfully secured convictions in May of 2017 on all counts against Severance, who is serving three life sentences for the killings.