These were the most-read stories on Centreville Patch during 2011:

1. Wolfe Appeal Granted, Conviction Vacated

Ten years after the murder of Centreville's Daniel Robert Petrole Jr., the man convicted of ordering Petrole killed was released from death row. U.S. District Judge Raymond Jackson vacated all of Wolfe's convictions, saying that the 2001 trial was filled with "hearsay and speculation." Jackson's decision followed the 2010 testimony of triggerman Owen Merton Barber IV, who said that Wolfe had nothing to do with the murder. 

Wolfe's journey isn't over yet; in December, he moved back to death row. He is waiting for the outcome of an appeal of Jackson's order by the state. 

2. Flooding Wreaks Havoc Across the County

Who could forget the traffic nightmares caused by torrential rain in early fall? School had hardly been in session when FCPS was forced to cancel it due to hazardous conditions. Big Rocky Run overflowed violently onto Braddock Road, and a portion of it was temporarily closed down—though that didn't stop some foolhardy drivers from attempting to drive around the "road closed" signs. 

3. Your Photos: Flash Flooding in Fairfax

Centreville resident Kim Anger first sent in jaw-dropping photos of trucks, cars and police vehicles partially and mostly submerged in Fairfax City. Other readers on Centreville and other nearby Patch sites quickly chipped in to show the extent of the flooding in their area. 

4. Watch: Man Goes Tubing Down Lee Highway During Flash Flood

Despite the risk of contaminated water and drowning, some people couldn't resist playing in the water. As the person who posted the video on YouTube summed up the scene: "Flash flood in Fairfax VA, fat man takes advantage."

5. Veterans Day Freebies and Deals

Well, who doesn't like free stuff? 

6. Man Charged in Stabbing Death

In June, Man Ha Park killed his former girlfriend, Mihwa Kim, and stabbed her sister, police said. It was the fifth homicide in Fairfax County during 2011. Police said in court documents that Park wrote a letter before the attack, outlining his reasons for stabbing the two. He will go on trial next year for the murder. 

7. Serial Cutter Slashes Woman in the Bottom at Fair Oaks Mall

The revelation that a man was slashing young women in Fairfax County on the bottom made news all over the Washington, D.C. area. Police later identified a suspect: Johnny Guillen Pimental, 40. They believe that he later fled the area.

8. CVHS Students Arrested Following Food Fight

Two 16-year-old females and two 15-year-old males were arrested in May after allegedly assaulting staff at the school. The incident occurred after a food fight concluded in the cafeteria. 

After the food fight—one of several in Fairfax County Public Schools—principals in Fairfax County began to push for the ability to put surveillance cameras in schools without seeking permission from the the school board first. The school board granted that request this month. 

9. Man Dies on I-66, Traffic Tangles Follow After Crash

A South Carolina man died in an accident on I-66 in May. 

10. Teacher Arrested for Soliciting a Child Online

Michael Cook, a band teacher at Robinson High School, was arrested for soliciting a minor online. As of early December a trial date for the charges had not been set.