Police say suspect remains held as federal deportation request is pending.
Leesburg, VA (JK) – Leesburg Police have confirmed that an 8-month-old girl who was assaulted last week by her brother has died from her injuries.
Officers were called on the morning of September 17 to the unit block of Hancock Place Northeast after receiving a report of an unresponsive infant. The child was rushed to the hospital but later died.
22-year-old Alvaro Mejia-Ayala of Leesburg (pictured above), was arrested the same day and initially charged with strangulation. He remains in custody at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center. Police said that, in consultation with the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, additional charges, including murder, are forthcoming as investigators continue gathering forensic evidence.
Federal immigration authorities also announced they have issued a deportation order request. Homeland Security officials said Mejia-Ayala entered the U.S. illegally in 2016 as a juvenile and was allowed to remain under policies during the Obama and Biden administrations.
Leesburg Police Chief Thea Pirnat called the case heartbreaking and thanked first responders, medical professionals, and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Leesburg Police Department at 703-771-4500 or anonymously at 703-443-TIPS (8477).
By Jimmy Key