Reston Homicide Victim Identified By Fairfax County Police

RESTON, VA — Fairfax County Police homicide detectives are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred Wednesday afternoon in Reston, according to a police release. This is the county's first homicide of 2021.

Officers responded around 2 p.m., for the report of gunshots and a person lying on the ground in the 2300 block of Branleigh Park Court. Police found Samuel Onyeuka, 20, of Reston, suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper body. Fairfax County Fire and EMS responded to the scene and pronounced Onyeuka dead.

After canvassing the area, police determined Onyeuka was walking near his home when he was shot. A preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was spotted leaving the area in a silver SUV, possibly a Nissan Rogue or similar vehicle. Police described the suspect as a light-skinned Black man, with a slim build, standing about 6-feet in height. He had dark hair in braids and twists.

After conducting an autopsy on Thursday morning, the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. This remains an active investigation and detectives are still conducting interviews and processing evidence.

The victim's family is receiving support from victim specialists from FCPD's Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division.

Police ask anyone with information about this case to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Anonymous tips may be submitted via Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and online. A cash reward of $100 to $1,000 is being offered to anonymous tipsters who provide information leading to an arrest.