Fairfax County Police Department News

McLean Police District – Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau’s Cold Case Squad are seeking the public’s help as they continue to investigate a sexual assault that occurred nearly 25 years ago. In August of 1995, a 24-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in the 8100 block of Prescott Drive in Merrifield. The suspect entered her apartment while she was sleeping, produced a weapon and sexually assaulted her. During the assault, a struggle ensued, and blood evidence collected revealed that the suspect likely sustained an injury to his upper body. The suspect was last seen fleeing out the patio door.

Evidence and DNA had been collected and previously submitted to a state forensics lab. During that process, DNA was isolated from a blood sample from the victim and from the DNA left at the scene. A DNA profile identified as belonging to the suspect was searched against the Virginia DNA Data Bank. There was no identified DNA match and the suspect’s identity remains unknown.

The first picture below on the left is the composite sketch of the suspect that was completed in August 1995. The second picture is a digital enhancement from the original sketch of what the suspect would have looked like at the time of the attack. The third picture is an age progression photo made from the second picture and depicts what the suspect may look like today. Both pictures were created by the forensic imaging unit at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The original release described the suspect as a black male, however a more accurate description would have been a man with a medium complexion.

1995 sketch            1995 – 20 to 30 years old      2020 – 45 to 55 years old

“This case is about seeking justice for the victim. Victims of horrendous attacks like this one, no matter how long ago, should not and will not be forgotten,” said Major Ed O’Carroll, Bureau Commander, Major Crimes. “Working on solving these types of cold cases takes tremendous teamwork. I have great admiration for our detectives, victim advocates and extremely thankful for our strong partnership with experts from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for getting us to this point.”

Our detectives are committed to pursuing all new leads. Detectives are hopeful to solve this cold case and bring closure to the victim. Anyone who may recognize the individual in these photos or may have any information on this case is asked to contact our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 8.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web – Click HERE. Download our Mobile tip411 App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars if their information leads to an arrest.

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.

(Original release date: August 10, 1995)

Fairfax County Police are investigating the sexual assault of a 24-year-old Merrifield woman which occurred in the 8100 block of Prescott Drive about 2:00 a.m. Thursday. The woman was sleeping in her apartment when she was awakened by a man in her bedroom. The victim struggled with the suspect and was able to fight him off. During the course of the struggle, the suspect was cut in the upper torso by the victim. The suspect fled and the victim did not require medical treatment. The suspect apparently gained entry through a locked sliding glass door. The suspect is described as black, in his late twenties or early thirties, six feet tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He has a medium complexion and was wearing black jeans, a black tee shirt and should have cuts on his upper torso. At this time, detectives do not believe that this case is related to any other recent sexual assaults.