Police investigating ‘suspicious death’ after teen shot in West End apartment

(Updated 9:35 a.m.) After being unable to find a handgun or shell casing, the Alexandria Police Department (APD) is investigating the shooting death of a 15-year-old boy in a West End apartment building as “suspicious.”

The shooting occurred in an apartment in the 300 block of S. Whiting Street at around 10:45 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 29), according to APD. The call to police was made by a person who said that the victim shot himself, but APD could not find a firearm or shell casing at the scene, according to scanner traffic.

“This may or may not be self-inflicted,” an investigating APD officer said via dispatch.

According to APD:

The Alexandria Police Department is seeking assistance from the public regarding an active investigation of a suspicious death that occurred in the 300 block of South Whiting Street. On October 28, 2023, at approximately 11:47 PM, the Alexandria Police Department responded to a call regarding a possible shooting. Officers discovered a 15-year-old male inside the residence who sustained a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital where he unfortunately succumbed to his injury. APD is now investigating this shooting incident as a suspicious death.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy and determine the cause and manner of death.

There have been six confirmed homicides so far this year in Alexandria.

Anyone with information on the incident can contact APD Detective J. Marable at 703-746-6883, or call the APD non-emergency number. Callers can remain anonymous.

Image via Google Maps