Four Young People Charged With Attempted Murder In Prince William

GAINESVILLE, VA—Two young adults and two teenagers have been arrested on charges including attempted murder after a shooting an early Tuesday in the area of Sudley Road and Tullamore Estates Road, according to Prince William County Police.

The intended victim, a 19-year-old man, shot one of the suspects in self-defense and will not face charges following the botched drug deal. Charged with attempted murder, attempted armed robbery and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony were the following:

• Peter Joseph White, 30, of the 5500 block of Pageland Avenue in Haymarket.
• Alexia Taylor Bates, 19, of the 15200 block of Fleetwood Drive in Nokesville.
• A 17-year-old girl, of Gainesville.
• A 16-year-old girl, of Haymarket.

White, who was shot in the upper body, remains hospitalized but is expected to make a full recovery. Bates is being held without bond, and the teenagers are being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.

Shortly after 3 a.m., police arrived at the scene for a reported shooting. An investigation found that the intended victim made arrangements with the four acquaintances to conduct a drug deal. En route to meet him, the four people decided they would rob him. When they arrived at the agreed upon location, White whipped out a gun and demanded the victim's property.

Shortly thereafter, White tried to shoot the victim in the head but the gun malfunctioned. A struggle ensued, during which the victim used own handgun to shoot White. He then drove away and turned himself in at a nearby police station.

Photo: Prince William County Police