Police: 15-year-old charged after alleged co-conspirator shot and killed during attempted burglary

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Virginia (DC News Now) — Prince William County police said they arrested and charged a 15-year-old boy on Sunday. in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred Tuesday in Woodbridge.

The Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) responded to investigate a shooting that occurred at the Mistry Ridge Apartments – which is in the 15000 block of Lost Canyon Court – around 12:45 a.m. on June 18.

There, they found a 17-year-old boy in the outdoor stairwell with a gunshot wound. He was taken to hospital where he later died.

Detectives identified the shooter as an 18-year-old man who lived at the apartment complex.

Investigators said the 17- and 15-year-olds were visiting Woodbridge from South Carolina and conspired to steal marijuana and money from the 18-year-old resident.

They came to his front door and, after getting no answer, attempted to force their way into the apartment. The 17-year-old boy broke a window in the room where the 18-year-old resident was sleeping, according to PWCPD.

As the 17-year-old entered his apartment, the man shot him several times.

The 15-year-old fled the scene and, at one point, returned fire toward the apartment complex. No other injuries were reported.

The teen was later found in Fredericksburg where he was arrested Sunday. Police said they recovered two firearms.

As a result of the investigation, the 15-year-old was charged in connection with the death of his associate – the 17-year-old boy – during the commission of a crime.

He was charged with murder, burglary with intent to commit a felony and shooting into an occupied dwelling. He is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center.