Fallen Officer Honored On 5th Anniversary Of Her Death

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — The Prince William County Police Department held a ceremony to honor a fallen officer on Saturday. Officer Ashley Guindon died in the line of duty on Feb. 27, 2016. It was Officer Guindon's first shift after being sworn-in. Guindon was 28 years old.

"Five years ago, our community was rocked by the senseless killing of Crystal Hamilton, and the unconscionable death and murder of Ashley," Deputy Chief Jarad Phelps said on Saturday. "Today we honor her life, her sacrifice."

Officer Guindon was shot and killed while responding to a domestic altercation in Woodbridge. The suspect, Ronald Hamilton, also shot two other police officers, according to authorities.

Hamilton was convicted of murdering Officer Guindon and his wife, Crystal Hamilton, in 2019. Hamilton, a former Army staff sergeant, was sentenced to multiple life sentences for the murders.

Guindon was one of three officers called to Hamilton's home; the other two officers were wounded by gunfire.

Authorities said Guindon had been sworn in to serve with Prince William County just a day before the shooting.

"The heroism that Ashley displayed on February 27, on her first call for service, is nothing short of amazing," Chief of Police Peter Newsham said. Newsham said that Officer Guindon's death, "left an indelible mark on all of us."

During the ceremony, which was also posted to the department's YouTube page, a moment of silence was held across Prince William County Police's radio frequencies.

"To the men and women of the Prince William County Police Department, know that Ashley's sacrifice will never be forgotten," Deputy Chief Phelps said. "Her loss is always felt, every single day.

Chief Newsham noted in his final statement that Officer Guindon's legacy would live on in Prince William County. "We will never forget the story of who Ashley was, and how she lived her life."