Body Of Missing Woodbridge Man Found In Maryland, Suspects Face Murder Charges: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A missing Woodbridge man's body was found in Prince George's County on Thursday, the Prince William County Police Department said. The man, 20-year-old Jose Guerrero, was reported missing on Dec. 21, 2022.

Investigators believe Guerrero died after a stabbing. Two people have been arrested in connection with his death.

Olvin Daniel Argueta Ramirez, a 19-year-old from Woodbridge, is charged with one count of murder and one count of stabbing in commission of a felony. Another suspect, a 17-year-old boy from Woodbridge, is charged with murder and robbery. Authorities have not publicly identified the 17-year-old due to a Virginia law that protects the identities of minors.

If convicted of both charges, Argueta Ramirez could face up to 45 years in prison, based on Virginia's sentencing guidelines. The 17-year-old's sentence could vary if he is tried as an adult.

Both teens were arrested on Thursday. They are being held at Prince William County detention facilities and their court dates are pending.

Guerrero's family reported that he was missing on Dec. 21. He was last seen leaving his home on Lost Canyon Court.

"At the time of the missing report, there were no direct indications the victim was missing under suspicious circumstances," the Prince William County Police Department said in a news release. "Two days later, on Dec. 23, 2022, the victim’s vehicle was located unoccupied in the area of Bel Air Rd and Jeffries Rd where evidence of a struggle and blood were found inside."

Detectives continued their investigation throughout the end of December and the beginning of January. They eventually identified the two teens as possible suspects and searched a home on Matthews Drive in Woodbridge, authorities said.

Investigators believe that Guerrero met with the two teens on Dec. 21 to conduct a drug transaction.

"During the transaction, an altercation occurred, and the victim was stabbed multiple times and presumably died from his injuries," the police department said. "The suspects then drove the victim’s body to Prince George’s County in Maryland where his body was discarded."

Authorities found Guerrero's body on Thursday. The Maryland Office of the Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy and confirm the identity, police said.

Anyone with more information about Guerrero's death can contact the Prince William County Police Department's tipline at 703-792-7000. Tips can also be submitted online.