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Leesburg man will likely face murder charges in strangulation, death of infant

Crystal Graham
Alvaro Mejia Ayala
Alvaro Mejia Ayala

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

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is a reporter and ad manager for Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]