Police say the suspect and victim lived in the same Reston home; a weapon was recovered at the scene.
FAIRFAX, Va. — Police say a man released from a Fairfax County jail on Tuesday was arrested Wednesday after a housemate was shot to death in Reston, ending a two-hour manhunt that brought officers, K-9 teams and a police helicopter into a residential cul-de-sac.
The case is drawing scrutiny because of its speed and the decision that preceded it. Records show the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Marvin Morales-Ortez, had been held in a felony malicious wounding case connected to a domestic incident. When a key witness did not appear in court, a judge ordered him released. Less than a day later, just before 1 p.m. Wednesday, officers were called to a home on the 12300 block of Fan Shell Court and found a man fatally shot inside, police said.
Officers established a perimeter as neighbors were asked to stay indoors. Aviation crews circled above while K-9 handlers searched paths that thread between townhouses and woods. “Suspect in custody,” Fairfax County police later posted, adding that “officers took the suspect into custody and recovered a firearm on scene.” The department said the victim’s name will be released after family is notified. Detectives interviewed residents door-to-door and collected surveillance video from porches facing the shared parking courts.
Authorities said an emergency order for Morales-Ortez’s arrest had been issued earlier in a separate matter but expired when officers could not locate him by the deadline. Immigration officials said they placed a detainer after the homicide arrest, indicating they want to be notified if he is set to be released again. Officials have not said who owned the firearm that was seized or whether anyone else in the home was present during the shooting. Police did not detail how the suspect left the house or where he was found within the search zone.
Reston has seen few homicides in recent years compared with other parts of the county, and neighbors said the sudden rush of cruisers and a circling helicopter was jarring. A nearby elementary school briefly sheltered in place during the search, according to parents who received alerts. “It was surreal. We heard the chopper and then got a message to stay inside,” said David Barr, who lives off Sunrise Valley Drive. By evening, technicians photographed the entryway, placed evidence markers along the sidewalk and loaded a dark sedan onto a flatbed for processing.
Police said Morales-Ortez faces a second-degree murder charge and remains held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center. An initial appearance is expected Friday, with a preliminary hearing date to follow. Prosecutors said they will review prior incidents tied to the address and evaluate additional counts once ballistics and lab reports return. Detectives plan to release a fuller timeline and the victim’s identity once next of kin are notified and interviews are complete.
As of Thursday morning, crime-scene tape had been removed and regular traffic resumed on Fan Shell Court. Investigators are compiling witness statements and video while the medical examiner finalizes the cause and manner of death. The next update is expected in the coming days.
Author note: Last updated December 19, 2025.