Springfield Man Charged in Homicide of Two Teenagers

West Springfield Police District – Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau continue to investigate after two teenagers were killed in a shooting yesterday in the 8000 block of Winding Way Court in Springfield. Officers responded for the report of a shooting around 3:18 p.m. Officers found one juvenile victim inside the garage suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper body. Despite lifesaving measures by officers, the victim was pronounced deceased by rescue personnel. A second juvenile victim was found in front of a home nearby suffering from a gunshot wound to the upper body. He was taken to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries. 

An investigation revealed there was a previous argument through social media between the involved parties. As a result, four teenagers went to the home to talk to someone who lived there and investigators were told a fight broke out. During the fight, Zachary Burkard, 18, of Springfield, emerged from inside the home and shot two of the juveniles who arrived at the home. Burkard remained at the scene and was taken into custody by officers. A firearm was recovered at the scene.  

Burkard was charged with two counts of second-degree murder and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will be conducting the autopsies today. 

Per Virginia Code 19.2-11.2, we are prohibited from providing information about juvenile victims unless parental consent is provided. This law prohibits Virginia law enforcement agencies from directly or indirectly identifying deceased juvenile victims of a crime. 

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the families are 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.    

These deaths are being investigated as the 5^th and 6^th homicides year to date in Fairfax County. 

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