Homicide Suspect in Custody after Man Found Dead in Bailey’s Crossroads

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 Mason Police District – Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau are investigating after a man was found dead this morning inside a parking garage in Bailey’s Crossroads. Officers responded around 3:30 a.m. to the 5100 block of Leesburg Pike after 58-year-old Hernan Leiva, of Falls Church, was found suffering from apparent stab wounds and blunt force trauma to his upper body. Rescue personnel pronounced him deceased on scene.  

As detectives investigated the circumstances that led to Leiva’s death, a man later identified as Bazen Berhe, 22, of Alexandria returned to a parking lot near the scene and turned himself into police. Officers arrested Berhe and he was charged with second degree murder.   

Preliminarily, detectives determined that Leiva and Berhe were involved in a previous dispute. This morning, Berhe assaulted Leiva when they arrived at work, fatally wounding him. Detectives recovered knives and a hammer at the scene of the crime. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy Monday. 

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure that the family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.   

This is an active investigation and detectives are continuing to examine evidence and interview witnesses to determine what led to the man’s death. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fairfax County Police Department Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by text – Type “FCCS” plus tip to 847411, and by web – Click HERE. Download our Mobile tip411 App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards of $100 to $1,000 dollars if their information leads to an arrest. If you would like to be contacted by a detective, please leave your contact information.   

This is being investigated as the 4th homicide year to date in Fairfax County.  

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