Update: Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Groveton

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Mount Vernon Police District – Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit have charged the driver of the 2007 Mercedes C230 in the Mar. 30 fatal pedestrian crash in Groveton.

Detectives determined Luis Merino Berrios, 18, of Alexandria was driving southbound on Richmond Highway approaching Groveton Street. The driver of a 2017 Jeep Wrangler attempted to make a left turn from northbound Richmond Highway onto Groveton Street. Detectives determined Berrios was traveling at an excessive speed. He attempted avoidance maneuvers, lost control of his Mercedes, and struck the Jeep Wrangler. Berrios’s vehicle spun several times before leaving the roadway striking Samantha Jennings-Jones who was walking on the sidewalk.  Jennings-Jones was declared deceased at the scene.

Today, Luis Merino Berrios was charged with reckless driving. He was released on a summons and scheduled to appear in court. No mugshot is available.

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(Release published on March 31, 2023)

Mount Vernon Police District – Detectives from our Crash Reconstruction Unit continue to investigate a fatal pedestrian crash that occurred at 9:22 p.m. yesterday at Richmond Highway and Clayborne Avenue in Groveton.   

Preliminarily, detectives determined the driver of a 2007 Mercedes C230 was traveling south on Richmond Highway. The driver of a 2017 Jeep Wrangler was traveling north on Richmond Highway attempting to make a left onto Clayborne Avenue. The driver of the Mercedes struck the Jeep, left the roadway and spun around before striking Samantha Jennings-Jones, 36, of Alexandria who was walking on the sidewalk. Jennings-Jones was declared deceased at the scene. Preliminarily, speed appears to be a factor for the driver of the Mercedes in the crash. Detectives do not believe alcohol to be a factor.  

Details of the investigation will be presented to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney for charges. 

Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact our Crash Reconstruction Unit at 703-280-0543. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers”. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.     

This is the 2nd pedestrian-related fatal crash in the County to date in 2023. Year-to-date, in 2022, there were 5 pedestrian-related fatal crashes.    

For ongoing updates, please read our blog and follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @FairfaxCountyPD.