HERNDON, Va. — Monday night marked exactly one week since a woman was raped along the W&OD Trail. The Herndon community came together in prayer and solidarity, lighting candles and walking to the spot along the W&OD Trail where the woman was attacked.
Martha-Helene Stapleton, a resident of the neighborhood, organized the vigil to show support for the victim and bring the community together in the face of violence.
“This is so terrible. I couldn’t just ignore it knowing that someone is suffering in that way,” said Stapleton.
The attack occurred on Nov. 18. Police say 31-year-old Denis Humberto Navarette Romero, who is in the U.S. illegally, was arrested just moments after the assault.
Investigators revealed that Romero had been released from jail just days earlier after being arrested for indecent exposure on the same trail.
“There is outrage that this perpetrator was released just days after being sentenced,” said Stapleton.
Investigators told WUSA9 the victim was walking along the W&OD after leaving a downtown Herndon business, when Navarette Romero grabbed her, forced her to the ground and raped her. The victim was able to fight Navarette Romero off of her and run away to get help from a passerby between Ferndale Avenue and Grace Street.
Navarette Romero was found by police minutes after a passerby called 911. He was arrested on Station Street, and had items that belonged to the victim, police said.
On Tuesday, police said Navarette Romero is an undocumented immigrant from Honduras. Investigators claim there may be more victims as Navarette Romero has a history of sexual assault and exposures in the region, including a previous incident in Herndon in 2022.
Herndon Police Chief Maggie DeBoard confirmed that police are investigating whether there may be additional victims.
“We know there may be other victims out there," she said. "We had one call from somebody that we were able to verify from years ago. We're very interested in anybody who had any contact with this individual.”
DeBoard says this attack marks the first “stranger rape” in Herndon in her 12 years as the Herndon Police Chief.
“I’m surprised that this would take place right here in the middle of town,” said Father Matt Russick, from St. Joseph Catholic Parish.
Frances "Pancha" Duerst, who has lived in Herndon for more than 30 years, expressed her shock.
“To think something like this can happen in your neighborhood, it’s scary,” she said. “We need to help each other. They say it takes a village, and it really does.”
Stapleton and the rest of the community reassured the victim that she has their full support.
“We’re praying for you,” Stapleton said. “We wish this never happened. This is not something we will tolerate in Herndon. We will do everything we can to make it safe.”
Chief DeBoard echoed those sentiments, emphasizing the strength of the community.
“This is what Herndon is. This community comes together in support of each other,” she said.
Police are continuing to investigate the case and urge anyone with information or who has been affected to contact the Herndon Police Department.