Police investigating if Muslim teen killed in attack near Virginia mosque was sexually assaulted
STERLING, Va. - Police are investigating whether a teenage girl who was killed near a Virginia mosque was sexually assaulted.
Authorities said 17-year-old Nabra Hassanen was assaulted twice before her death - once in Loudoun and once in Fairfax - and confirmed they were investigating whether she was sexually assaulted during one of those attacks.
Investigators said Nabra was killed in a suspected road rage incident as she walked to a Virginia mosque in Fairfax County early Sunday morning.
Muslim leaders and the family of Hassanen held a news conference Tuesday evening to thank the community for their support and stated they have complete confidence in the police investigation.
Fairfax County police issued a news release saying:
Our homicide detectives will continue to be the lead on the murder investigation of Nabra Hassanen. The Fairfax County Police Department has partnered closely with the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office with the common goal of justice for Nabra as well as for her family, friends, and community. Our department will continue to work alongside the Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney as this case moves forward.
We know this is an incredibly difficult time, especially for our Muslim community. Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. met today with leaders from the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS Center) including Imam Mohamed Magid and Chaplain Joshua Salaam. The Chief assured them we will continue to diligently investigate the case and provide our support. We have a long-standing relationship with the ADAMS Center, and our hearts go out to everyone in our Muslim community and beyond for this tragic crime.
A community vigil for Nabra is planned for tomorrow night at 6:30 at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. Chief Roessler and Imam Magid will be available beforehand at 5:45 to talk with members of the media and community.
Nabra was with a group of about 15 teenagers in the Sterling-area as they made their way back to the All Dulles Area Muslim Society at about 3 a.m., according to police.
Officials said the group had stopped at a McDonald's between Ramadan prayers.
The suspect, 22-year-old Darwin Martinez Torres, became enraged during a traffic argument with a teen in the group who was riding a bicycle, according to officials.
Police said the argument escalated and Torres pulled over, chased the group with a baseball bat and attacked Nabra.
After hitting her with the bat, authorities said Torres took Nabra in his car to another nearby location and assaulted her again. Her body was later found in a pond.
Funeral service for Hassanen will be held at the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) Center Wednesday afternoon in Sterling.
At least 10 vigils were planned for Nabra throughout the country Tuesday evening. A donation page was established to help Nabra's family. To learn how to donate, click here.