Virginia Man Arrested for Murder After Homeowner Discovers Injured Stranger in Her Home
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 3
- 2 min read
A suspect has been arrested in rural Virginia after a woman returned home to find a fatally injured man, whom she did not know, bleeding on her sofa. Jose Velasquez-Martinez, 27, has been charged with murder following the discovery made by the homeowner in Fauquier County, approximately 48 miles from Washington, D.C. The incident occurred on March 27 around 9:50 p.m.
The victim, later identified as 29-year-old Brandon Probst of Stuarts Draft, had suffered stab wounds to the neck and chest, according to court filings. Probst was transported to Winchester Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries the following day. The homeowner, who has not been identified, told police she entered the house, saw the injured man, and immediately ran out to call authorities. She stated that she had never seen him before and recalled hearing him crying as she entered the home.
An investigation by the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office led authorities to Augusta County, where Velasquez-Martinez was arrested on March 30 at a hotel in Front Royal. He has been charged with malicious wounding and murder. Court documents indicate that the victim and suspect were involved in an altercation in and around a vehicle outside the property where Probst was later found. The reason for their presence at the location remains unclear.
During the altercation, a woman inside the vehicle attempted to intervene and was injured when Velasquez-Martinez allegedly cut her on the arm. She required 16 stitches while being treated at the hospital. Officials have not released further details about the crime.
Velasquez-Martinez is being represented by a public defender. Information regarding his attorney was not available in court filings. His arraignment took place on March 31, and he remains in custody.
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