Update: Cause of Death Ruled to be Carbon Monoxide

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Mason Police District – On June 25, detectives began a death investigation after a juvenile was found deceased in a vehicle in the 5700 block of Columbia Pike in Falls Church. Based on observations at the scene by officers and detectives, the juvenile’s death was believed to be a related to an overdose. Recently, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death to be accidental and a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.

During their investigation, detectives learned the car the juveniles were occupying was modified. Days after the incident, detectives and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel revisited the vehicle to assess carbon monoxide concentration levels, discovering that they significantly exceeded the established safe levels.

Knowledge of a crime? 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 a cash reward. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.

Mason Police District – Detectives from our Major Crimes Bureau, Crime Scene Section, and Opioid Investigation Unit are investigating a fatal overdose that left one juvenile dead.

On June 25, at 7:21 p.m. officers responded to the 5700 block of Columbia Pike, Falls Church for two juveniles unconscious and foaming at the mouth inside a vehicle. Officers immediately began performing life-saving measures by administering multiple doses of Narcan and performing CPR. Both juveniles were transported to local hospitals, where one juvenile was pronounced deceased. The other juvenile remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have information about this overdose to contact them at 703-246-7800, option 5. 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 and follow the steps to “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.  

If you feel you may have overdosed or are concerned someone around you has, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Fairfax County Police Department personnel carry Narcan and are trained in its use. 

Symptoms of an opioid overdose may include some of the following: 

  • Face is pale or clammy
  • Breathing is infrequent or has stopped
  • Deep snoring or gurgling (death rattle)
  • Unresponsive to any stimuli
  • Slow or no heart rate and/or pulse
  • Bluish purple, or ashen skin color
  • Fingernails turn blue or blue-black

Our officers and detectives are working diligently to reduce the number of deaths caused by opioids, as part of a multi-pronged Countywide effort to address the opioid epidemic’s impact on the Fairfax community. Learn more about Fairfax County’s opioid response strategy and available resources.

Help is available 24 hours a day. If you or someone you know needs help to overcome drug dependence, please call the Community Services Board at Sharon Bulova Center at 703-573-5679 to help find appropriate treatment and recovery services. Walk-ins are also welcome Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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