Police: Gang member drove murder victim’s car

Police in Prince William County today named suspects in the year’s first homicide.

Here’s more in a press release: 

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** — UPDATE

Murder Investigation

*VICTIM IDENTIFIED & ARRESTS – On February 19, detectives from the Homicide Unit received a positive identification on the victim in connection to the murder investigation from January 13 after remains were located in a wooded area on Barrett Dr in Manassas.

The remains recovered were forensically identified as Oscar Rene ANDRADE, 29, of Manassas. The investigation revealed that the victim was previously reported missing to police on September 14, 2015 by family members after they had not heard from him since September 10.

Upon investigating the victim’s disappearance, detectives learned that the accused, identified as David PINEDA ARGUETA, had been stopped by DC Metropolitan Police on September 13 driving the victim’s vehicle. At that time, the accused was arrested on unrelated charges. Through the murder investigation and based on the analysis of evidence recovered, detectives learned that the accused conspired with others to rob and murder the victim.

Detectives further learned that the suspects were known members of the criminal street gang MS-13. The victim is not believed to be connected to the gang and his connection to the suspects is unknown at this time. Following the investigation, three arrests, including two juveniles, were made on February 19. One of the juveniles arrested in this case is also believed to have been recruiting for MS-13 in the community. The investigation continues.

Arrested on February 19:

David Jonathan PINEDA ARGUETA, 18, of 8130 Cooke Ct, #102, in Manassas
Charged with murder, robbery, gang participation, and gang recruitment
Court Date: April 11, 2016 | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Arrested on February 19: [Juveniles]
A 17 year old male juvenile of Manassas Charged with accessory after the fact to murder, gang participation, and gang recruitment

Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at a Juvenile Detention facility

A 17 year old male juvenile of Manassas

Charged with accessory after the fact to murder

Court Date: Pending | Status: Held at a Juvenile Detention facility