Detectives learned on Jan. 20 that Joel Antonio Sarabia, 20, of Fairfax was driving Ebrahim’s vehicle after his reported disappearance. Detectives obtained a warrant for unauthorized use of a vehicle and driving without an operator’s license based on the evidence recovered from the towed vehicle. Detectives from our Fugitive Track and Apprehension Unit on Jan. 24 took Sarabia into custody.
Detectives determined through interviews that Sarabia and the victim were known to each other. Sarabia and a 17-year-old associate planned to rob Ebrahim on Jan. 16. Detectives say that Sarabia shot Ebrahim in the upper body while Ebrahim was in his vehicle in a parking lot near the 6200 block of Lachine Lane in Lincolnia. Sarabia and his associate then drove the victim in Ebrahim’s vehicle until they disposed of his body later on Jan. 17 in a dumpster in the 3700 block of North Rosser Street.
Sarabia has since been charged with first degree murder, robbery resulting in death, concealment of a dead body and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He remains held at the Adult Detention Center without bond. The 17-year-old was arrested on Jan. 25 and charged with robbery resulting in death and concealment of a dead body. He was taken to the Juvenile Detention Center where he remains held.
Detectives identified the dumpster where Ebrahim's body was dumped. They have since been in contact with the disposal services company to determine the potential location where Ebrahim's body may have been taken. Detectives have coordinated several searches with our Search and Rescue Team to locate Ebrahim.
During the arrest of Sarabia, detectives recovered a firearm and are coordinating additional searches for a second firearm which is believed to be in the City of Alexandria.
Detectives are asking anyone with additional information about this crime to contact them at 703-691-2131, or call 911. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477).
Victim specialists from the Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the victims’ family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.
This is the second homicide of the year in Fairfax County. Year to date, there were no homicides at this point in 2021.