Leesburg authorities are determining what charges to file in the case of an alleged serial stabber arrested last week, and are looking for other assaults to which he might be connected. Former Leesburg resident Elias Abuelazam is suspected in 18 stabbings — five fatal — in Virginia, Michigan and Ohio. Three were reported in Leesburg. Charges haven’t been filed in Virginia because authorities are still discussing “what are the most appropriate charges” and how to “build the best possible case against him,” Leesburg police spokesman Chris Jones said. Police are also looking into whether Abuelazam is responsible for past area assaults, including the March 2009 stabbing death of Jammie Lane, Jones said.
— Emily Babay
