Rapid Response and Technology Lead to Swift Arrest in Reston Homicide

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Reston Police District – A man is in custody after fatally shooting his roommate in a residence yesterday afternoon in Reston.

On December 17, at 11:40 a.m., officers responded to a shooting in the 12000 block of Fan Shell Court in Reston. Upon arrival, officers located Marvin Ernesto Morales, 40, of Reston at the location. He was declared deceased at the scene.

Preliminarily, detectives determined Marvin Fenando Morales Ortez, 23, of Reston, fatally shot Morales inside their residence and fled the scene before officers arrived. Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau responded and immediately conducted interviews, collected video surveillance, and processed evidence. 

With the assistance of our Special Operations Division, Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), Fairfax 1 Helicopter, Drone Unit, K9 Unit, and patrol officers, and with the help of a community tip, Ortez was quickly located nearby and taken into custody.

Ortez was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where he was charged with Second-Degree Murder and Use of a Firearm in Commission of a Felony. He was held on no bond.

Detectives continue to conduct interviews and process evidence recovered from the scene to determine the circumstances that led up to the fatal shooting.

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this incident to call our Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.   

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the victim’s family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance. 

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