Fairfax County Police have not yet charged anyone in connection with the early-morning shooting death of a Falls Church man at a Fair Oaks apartment complex. But police say that they have already spoken with the person they believed pulled the trigger.
The incident occurred on Saturday, June 25, at 4:50 a.m., in the courtyard of the Fair Oaks at Pender Creek residential area, off West Ox Road near Fair Oaks Mall. Killed was Jack S. Cornejo, 22, of Nealon Drive.
Police officers raced to the scene Saturday after callers reported hearing people fighting and possible gunshots. Upon arrival, officers discovered Cornejo with an apparent gunshot wound and, said police spokesman Rich Perez, "Rescue [personnel] determined that he was dead at the scene."
Perez said police could not yet reveal a possible reason for the shooting or the disagreement that may have led up to it. He also declined to reveal where the victim was shot, except to say it was in the "upper body." Until an arrest is made, Perez could not release any information regarding whether the shooter lives in that apartment complex or had simply met Cornejo there.
However, Perez said that, several hours after the fatal shooting, "We were able to locate and identify" the person with whom police believe Cornejo had an altercation right before he was shot and police have interrogated this person.
"We're still interviewing witnesses," Perez said. Police will also examine evidence from the shooting, and they anticipate receiving the results of Cornejo's autopsy from the Northern Virginia medical examiner sometime this week. All this information will then be presented to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office for consideration in any possible criminal charges.
Meanwhile, detectives would like to hear from anyone with information regarding this tragedy. Callers may phone the non-emergency police number of 703-691-2131, or Fairfax County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
<1b>— Bonnie Hobbs