Prince William County, Virginia — A Virginia man has been sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison after being convicted of killing two women, including his pregnant cousin, in a case that prosecutors said also involved the unlawful termination of her pregnancy.
According to the Prince William County Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Edward Jackson Bland, 38, received two life sentences without the possibility of parole, along with additional prison time, for the April 2024 killings of Leann Harris, 34, and Asia Payne, 22.
The sentencing follows Bland’s conviction in December 2025 on multiple charges, including three counts of murder, stemming from the deaths of the two women and Harris’ unborn child.
Investigation Began After Reported Carjacking
Authorities said the investigation took an unexpected turn on April 2, 2024, when Prince William County police responded to a reported carjacking.
While officers were investigating the stolen vehicle, they received information from the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office, which indicated Bland was connected to the vehicle.
According to prosecutors, authorities in Shenandoah County informed investigators that Bland had confessed to killing two people in Prince William County.
Police then traced his earlier whereabouts and entered a residence where they discovered Harris and Payne dead from gunshot wounds to the head.
Officials have not publicly explained how Bland first came into contact with the Shenandoah County Sheriff’s Office before the confession.
Pregnant Victim Was Described as Defendant’s Closest Friend
Family members identified Leann Harris as Bland’s cousin and told local media that the two shared an exceptionally close relationship.
Relatives said they considered each other best friends, making the case even more devastating for those who knew them.
Family members also confirmed that Harris was four months pregnant at the time of her death.
Prosecutors later secured a conviction for the murder of a pregnant victim with the intent to terminate her pregnancy, one of the most serious charges filed in the case.
Emotional Statements Delivered During Sentencing
During last week’s sentencing hearing, family members of both victims addressed the court.
Harris’ mother told the court:
“I pray he never sees the light of day and may God have mercy on his soul.”
Payne’s mother, Angela, also spoke directly to Bland, saying:
“I forgive you for killing my baby.”
The emotional statements came after months of legal proceedings that concluded with Bland receiving one of the harshest sentences available under Virginia law.
Defendant Receives Life Without Parole
In addition to the three murder convictions, Bland was found guilty of aggravated murder for killing more than one person, second-degree murder, carjacking, and three counts of using a firearm during the commission of a felony.
The court sentenced him to two life terms without parole, plus 74 additional years in prison, with 15 years suspended.
The convictions bring an end to a case that shocked the Prince William County community and left two families mourning the loss of their loved ones.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your opinions respectfully in the comments while keeping the victims’ families in your thoughts.
