Alexandria — No one wants to consider that a serial killer is running loose in Alexandria, particularly in the genteel and vibrant area known as Del Ray.
In the Franklin P. Backus Courthouse, there hangs a framed photograph of the late James N. Colasanto, a well-liked municipal court judge, now General District Court.
He was respected but when he ruled against a complainant involving a neighborhood dog case — a Chihuahua, no less — the loser, a former Pentagon clerk, walked up to his home on a Saturday morning, knocked on the door and shot him with a .357 magnum pistol while his young son watched.
Judge Colasanto was rushed to the hospital where he died a few days later on Nov. 26, 1970. The killer reported his crime to a television reporter but used the revolver on himself as police and fire personnel raced to his house.
That incident has remained on the minds of Alexandrians.
Last week's shooting in North Ridge serves up more fear and angst among the citizenry while police make every effort to calm the city. This is probably just as difficult as finding the killer.
I have great respect for the city's judiciary, the sheriff's office and police department. Each and every member of these departments are not only good citizens but outstanding in their profession. Consider, too, those retired judges at all levels and others.
The death of Ruthanne Lodato and shooting injury of a second person in the home, still unidentified by police and for good reason, is absolutely alarming. Mrs. Lodato was a beloved and accomplished wife and mother and music teacher who loved her family, students and her hometown.
This horrific event follows the Nov. 28 murder of Dr. Ronald Kirby, 69, a recently married government planner at his home on Elm Street in Rosemont.
Police are still searching for his killer.
The decade old murder of Nancy Dunning remains unsolved and constantly a conversation piece. She was killed in her home on Dec. 4, 2003 on West Mt Ida Street.
A beloved businesswoman in the city, she was the wife of the late James Dunning, then sheriff of the city. Dunning was interrogated thoroughly. Despite many people pointing fingers at him, no evidence of his involvement has ever been found. Both he and his son were waiting to lunch with her that day.
There has been no lack of detectives working on the Dunning case. Investigators from the FBI, and Virginia State police have assisted Alexandria police. A team of retired detectives has also probed the murder.
Some officials considered the Dunning matter a gangland hit. Dunning, the sheriff, received threatening letters from a Virginia prison inmate. These missives didn't amount to anything.
It's quite obvious for residents to be concerned for their safety. Police along with the mayor and other officials have been busy attempting to allay fears. That's a tough job. People have to remain alert everywhere.
No one wants to seriously consider that the same guy has been haunting the community for a decade. But they have to and must, no matter how unpleasant.
The 1970 assassination of Judge Colasanto isn't included in the latest tragedy but remains a strong reminder that security is everyone's business from the Dunning case to Dr. Kirby to Mrs. Lodato.
The city has some outstanding homicide detectives, both past and present. Ranking law enforcement firmly believes the current killer will be caught. Sooner the better of course. They have the latest and best technology at their disposal from the state and federal agencies.
In the meantime, this is no time to panic. The serious business of good police work is well underway, no stone is being left unturned 24/7.
The community is sharing sensitive feelings with the Lodato family while dogged searches are under way to nab a cowardly killer, who at this point is thought to be a bearded older Caucasian.