Maurice Anderson Berger, 17, of Lorton was found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to his upper body on the sidewalk on the 9700 block of Hagel Circle Wednesday night Sep. 7.
Fairfax County Police said officers from the Franconia District station responded to a report of gunshots being heard and a possible shot person at 10:36 p.m.
An unidentified vehicle had reportedly left the scene, police said, but there’s no description of a vehicle or suspect information being released at this point.
Major Crimes division detectives are in the process of canvassing the neighborhood, behind the Lorton Station Marketplace shopping center, looking for information and evidence.
South County High School Principal Matt Ragone said Berger had been a member of the South County pyramid from elementary school through 2015.
Berger had attended South County but was currently enrolled at Bryant Alternative High School.
“We join the Bryant community in sending condolences to the Berger family and Maurice’s friends,” Ragone said in a “Keep in Touch” email sent to South County parents and and students.
In Ragone’s email, he included a message sent to the Bryant community from their principal Ms. Tangy Millard, who called Berger’s unexpected death “a tragic loss.”
“Maurice was very well liked by all who knew him,” Millard said in her letter. “He always had a smile on his face and was willing to help around the school community at any time.”
Berger assisted with school pep rallies and graduation as a member of the AV/Tech team, and was an active member of the student-faculty Multicultural Book Club.
“Maurice was a strong daily, positive presence in our community,” said Millard. “Our Bryant family will greatly miss Maurice.”
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Detective Bond of the Homicide Section at 703-246-7800. Callers can also contact Crime Solvers electronically by visiting www.fairfaxcrimesolvers.org or text-a-tip by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES(274637) or by calling 1-866-411-TIPS(8477), or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.