Suspect in death of Muslim teen Nabra Hassanen indicted on capital murder, rape charges

FAIRFAX, Va. - A man accused of killing a 17-year-old Muslim teen during Ramadan has been indicted on capital murder and rape charges Monday afternoon, according to officials.

Darwin Martinez Torres, 22, was accused of attacking Nabra Hassanen with a bat and killing her in June.

The encounter began when Nabra's friends who were walking near the All Dulles Area Muslim Society in Sterling, Virginia. Fairfax County police said Nabra's friends got into an argument with Torres, who was in a car. Torres is accused of chasing the group then attacking and abducting Nabra. Her body was found in a pond in Loudoun County.

Detectives said previously that they were investigating whether Torres sexually assaulted Nabra before or after the attacks. Authorities later said it appeared the attack was road-rage related and did not appear to be a hate crime.

Under Virginia law, the capital murder indictment will allow prosecutors to pursue the death penalty for Torres under certain conditions, including premeditated murder during a rape.

On Friday, Nabra's family began shouting at Torres in court, according to multiple reports. The teen's mother was even reported to have thrown a shoe at the suspect.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed a detainer on Torres, telling FOX 5 they believe he is in the country illegally.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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