Police search Va. pond for evidence in Lodato murder

WASHINGTON — Alexandria, Va. police say they’re actively searching a body of water in Virginia looking for any evidence in an unsolved murder.

For the better part of a week, investigators have searched a Fairfax County pond for evidence in the murder of Alexandria music teacher Ruthanne Lodato, say police.

They are working with the FBI on the search.

Investigators were out at the pond on Tuesday and part of Wednesday morning.

The pond sits behind the home of Charles Severance’s parents. Severance, who is fighting extradition to Virginia from West Virginia on unrelated gun charges, is wanted for questioning by Alexandria police in connection with the three unsolved murders of Nancy Dunning, Ron Kirby and Lodato.

Lodato was shot at her front door in February and later died from her injuries.

Police would not say what, if anything they found at the location but say it’s another step in the investigation.

Severance’s next hearing is on April 23 in Wheeling, W. Va.

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