VIRGINIA BRIEFING

Friday, September 5, 2008; B05

MANASSAS

Police Looking for Suspect in Slaying

Manassas police said yesterday that they have obtained a warrant charging Edgardo Aquino Castro with murder in the slaying of a 24-year-old man outside a pizzeria over the weekend. Castro was still at large last night.

Castro, 34, of Manassas is suspected of stabbing Carlos Roas-Escalante of Manassas a few minutes after midnight Sunday in a shopping center parking lot in the 9600 block of Grant Avenue, police said. He died at the scene.

Castro, also known as "Boricua," should be considered armed and dangerous, police said. Anyone with information about his whereabouts or the case is asked to call Manassas City Crime Solvers at 703-330-0330.

-- Jonathan Mummolo

TROPICAL STORM HANNA

State Declaration Prohibits Price Gouging

Virginia's attorney general is putting opportunists on notice as Tropical Storm Hanna works its way toward the East Coast.

Robert F. McDonnell (R) said yesterday that the state's anti-gouging law is in place now that the governor has declared a state of emergency.

The 2004 law prohibits the charging of "unconscionable" prices for goods and services deemed necessary. The anti-gouging act is in effect for 30 days after the declaration.

The measure of gouging is based on whether the price of goods or services "grossly exceeds" prices charged within 10 days before a disaster.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) declared the state of emergency yesterday.

-- Associated Press

COLLEGE OF WILLIAM AND MARY

Interim President Might Get Extension

The College of William and Mary Board of Visitors might consider retaining the school's interim president for a longer term.

Rector Michael K. Powell said in an e-mail to faculty, staff and others that the board might discuss keeping W. Taylor Reveley III as president when it meets today.

Reveley, former dean of William and Mary's law school, took over as interim president of the college in Williamsburg in mid-February, after the resignation of Gene R. Nichol.

Powell noted in Wednesday's e-mail to alumni, students, faculty and others that the school's incoming freshmen are "the most diverse class in our history" but also mentioned the school's serious budget challenges.

-- Associated Press