HERNDON, Virginia – An 18-year-old suspect turned himself in last night in connection with the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old Westfield High School student on Wednesday. The Fairfax County Police Department announced the arrest of Ismael Cruz-Delcid, of Herndon, at a press conference this morning.
Police suspect Cruz-Delcid knew the victim, who tragically died after being shot outside a hotel in the McNair area of Herndon. Another teen was also shot at during the incident, but fortunately, managed to escape without injury.
Cruz-Delcid has been charged with second-degree murder, the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, and felony distribution of cocaine. The drug charge is related to a previous narcotics investigation conducted by the police department.
The shooting occurred after a verbal argument between the three teens in the hotel parking lot. While Police Chief Kevin Davis noted that it is unclear if the encounter was gang-related, he emphasized that the victims knew each other and described it as a “neighborhood association.”
Davis expressed concern over the increasing trend of guns being used to resolve disputes, describing it as a nationwide challenge. He stated that petty disagreements are often escalated to violence using firearms.
Cruz-Delcid turned himself in shortly after 11 p.m. last night following a discussion between law enforcement and his attorney. He did not provide any statement to the police and is currently being held without bond.
The suspected shooter recently graduated from Mountain View Alternative High School in Centreville, according to information provided by the police. Fairfax County Public Schools Superintendent Michelle Reid mentioned that counseling services are being provided to students at Westfield and Herndon High Schools, along with other high schools on an as-needed basis.