Leesburg, VA (May 19, 2026) – The Leesburg Police Department is providing an update regarding the September 17, 2025, assault of an infant in the 0 block of Hancock Place NE. The victim, an 8-month-old girl, died as a result of the injuries sustained during the incident.

Yesterday, a Loudoun County Grand Jury indicted Alvaro Mejia Ayala, 22, of Leesburg, on additional charges related to this case. Ayala has been charged with:

• Suffocation
• Aggravated Murder
• First Degree Murder
• First Degree Murder in Commission of Abduction
• Felony Murder – Suffocation
• Abduction of a Minor

Ayala was originally arrested on September 17, 2025, and charged with strangulation. He remains held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center pending further court proceedings.

“This continues to be an incredibly difficult and heartbreaking case for the victim’s family and our community,” said Leesburg Police Chief Thea Pirnat. “We appreciate the work of the Loudoun County Grand Jury and the continued partnership with the Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office as this case moves forward through the judicial process. Our detectives have remained committed from the beginning to conducting a thorough, compassionate, and meticulous investigation on behalf of the victim and her family.”

As this matter is now proceeding through the judicial process, no additional information is being released at this time.

Media Contact: 
Michele Bowman, MPIO  
571-541-7757
LPD-PIO@leesburgva.gov