An 8-month-old girl has died after sustaining injuries in an assault in Leesburg on Sept. 17, and the suspect will likely face murder charges.
Alvaro Mejia Ayala, 22, of Leesburg, was arrested on Sept. 17 and charged with strangulation in the assault of the infant at Hancock Place NE.
In consultation with the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, additional charges, including murder, are forthcoming and pending further investigation and forensic evidence.
Ayala is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center.
Leesburg Police Chief Thea Pirnat thanked first responders and medical professionals “who did everything possible to save this child’s life.”
“This heartbreaking case has profoundly impacted our community and our department,” she said. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victim’s family as they face this unimaginable loss.”
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call the Leesburg Police Department at (703) 771-4500 or anonymously at (703) 443-TIPS (8477).
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Crystal Graham
