Body found in North Hill woods, police say death may be gang-related

The Fairfax County Police announced today that they had found a body buried in a makeshift grave in the North Hill woods in Hybla Valley.

At a press conference held shortly after noon Thursday, police said they are unable to identify the remains at this point, and could not give details about the deceased’s age or gender. However Chief Edwin Roessler said the incident is likely gang-related, and not a random killing.

“There is a high probability that this is gang-related,” Roessler said. “And I can assure our community that our great detectives will bring those responsible for this discovery to justice as we continue to pray for this person’s family and friends.”

Police began searching for the body Wednesday after detectives uncovered intelligence the prior day that remains had been buried in the North Hill woods, which are located north of the intersection of Richmond Highway and Dart Drive (see map). After stopping the search for the night, officers resumed their efforts on Thursday morning and located the remains in grave that was described as “freshly dug.”

The county medical examiner will conduct an autopsy on the body to determine the identity and cause of death, Roessler said. Details such as whether the killing happened at North Hill or if the body was moved there will be unknown until the completion of the autopsy.

No weapons were discovered at the scene, police said.

Police would not say if the discovery of the body was related to the disappearance of a 16-year-old boy last seen in the 4900 block of Beauregard Street (see map) in April.

Police asked anyone with any information on the case to call the FCPD’s Major Crimes unit at 703-246-7800.

North Hill is a 33-acre county-owned property that was home to a trailer community decades ago. It has been vacant for years, and is now a heavily wooded area. It is slated to be redeveloped with an apartment complex and townhouses.