Community holds prayer vigil for rape victim [Video]

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 …