Police ID Woman Killed Friday In Woodbridge; Man Charged With Murder

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Prince William County police have identified a woman who was shot and killed in Woodbridge on Friday morning, authorities announced Sunday. A 26-year-old man has also been taken into custody and charged in connection with her death.

Police on Friday found the body of 46-year-old Claudia Beatriz Morataya in a wooded area near the 13900 block of Jefferson Davis Highway. Isaiah Gershon McGriff of Woodbridge has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with Morataya's death.

Police officers learned of the shooting around 4:30 a.m. Friday and responded to the 13900 block of Jefferson Davis Highway. When they arrived on the scene, officers found Morataya suffering from gunshot wounds, according to the police report. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

During the investigation, an acquaintance of Morataya identified McGriff as the suspect, police said on Sunday. McGriff was located and taken into custody on Saturday.

According to police, Morataya and McGriff got into a verbal altercation near the place Morataya's body was discovered. Police said when Morataya walked into the nearby wooded area, McGriff followed her, pulled out a gun, and shot Morataya before fleeing the area. A bystander contacted police following the shooting.

According to police, a firearm likely used in the shooting was recovered at McGriff's home.

McGriff is still in custody pending a court hearing, police said.