A teenage girl was fatally shot Friday night during the First Friday event in Manassas, according to Prince William County police. One individual has been charged in connection with the incident, while another suspect remains at large.
The victim has been identified as 17-year-old Lesly Elizabeth Mejia Mejia. The shooting occurred on July 5, 2024, in the 9400 block of Main Street, a central location for the popular monthly event.
Responding officers arrived on the scene to find Mejia Mejia suffering from a gunshot wound. She was transported to a local hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. The area was secured by law enforcement as part of the initial investigation.
Prince William County police announced that 20-year-old Daniel Andres Rivera was arrested and charged with reckless handling of a firearm and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Police indicated that additional charges are pending. Rivera is currently being held without bond.
Authorities are still searching for a second suspect, identified as 20-year-old Nelson Maldonado-Martinez. He is wanted on charges of murder, malicious wounding, and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Maldonado-Martinez is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. Police advise that he should be considered armed and dangerous.
The investigation is ongoing. Police are urging anyone with information regarding Maldonado-Martinez's whereabouts or the shooting incident to contact the Prince William County Police Department at 703-792-6500 or submit an anonymous tip to P3Tips.com.