A Washington-Liberty High School student was killed in a double homicide in Fairfax County yesterday.
Braden Deahl, 18, was a outstanding football player to the WL varsity team that had committed to play at St. Mary’s College of Maryland earlier this month, according to a athletics website.
Deahl’s death was announced in an email to WL families this afternoon.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you that one of our seniors, Braden Deahl, passed away on Monday,” Principal Tony Hall wrote. “Braden was a beloved member of the Washington-Liberty family and touched the lives of many of our students and staff. He brought so much joy to all who knew him, especially his football teammates and fellow 12th graders. We all feel his loss deeply.”
Shortly thereafter, Fairfax County police announced that Deahl was one of the two youths killed in an apartment complex near Tysons on Memorial Day.
“On May 29, 2023 at 3:37 p.m., officers responded to an apartment building in the 2200 block of Pimmit Run Lane in Falls Church for a man who had been shot. Jonas Skinner, 20, of Ashburn, was found in the laundry room of the apartment building with a gunshot wound to the upper body,” FCPD wrote. “Officers found three additional people in the parking lot suffering from stab wounds to the upper body. Braden Deahl, 18, of Arlington County, was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead “.
The other two stabbing victims are expected to survive, although one remains in hospital.
In a press release below, FCPD said it appears the murders were related to drugs. A teenager has been arrested and charged with robbery resulting in death.
Detectives believe a drug-related robbery led to the fatal shooting of one man and the fatal stabbing of another. Police have charged a juvenile in connection with this crime and expect more updates to follow.
On May 29, 2023 at 3:37 p.m., officers responded to an apartment building in the 2200 block of Pimmit Run Lane in Falls Church for a man who had been shot. Jonas Skinner, 20, of Ashburn, was found in the laundry room of the apartment building with a gunshot wound to the upper body. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel pronounced Skinner dead at the scene.
Officers found three other people in the parking lot who had stab wounds to the upper body. Braden Deahl, 18, of Arlington County, was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other two victims were taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for injuries that were not believed to be life-threatening. One of the minors remains hospitalized.
During a search of the area, K9 officers located a significant amount of marijuana nearby that is believed to be related to the homicide. All the people involved are believed to know each other and this is not a random act of violence.
Earlier today, a 17-year-old was charged with robbery resulting in death.
Police anticipate further announcements in this case.
In the coming days, the Office of the Medical Examiner will perform an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death.
Deahl is at least the second Arlingtonian to be killed outside the county’s borders so far this year. A Yorktown High School graduate was killed in a DC hotel room in April.
Hall’s full letter to Washington-Liberty families is below.
Dear Washington-Liberty Families,
It is with great sadness that we inform you that one of our seniors, Braden Deahl, passed away on Monday. Braden was a beloved member of the Washington-Liberty family and impacted the lives of many of our students and staff. He brought so much joy to all who knew him, especially his soccer teammates and fellow 12th graders. We all feel his loss deeply.
We know that people in our community will be personally affected by this loss. On Wednesday 31 May we will have counseling staff available for any students who feel they may need additional support. We will maintain as normal a schedule as possible while providing support and recognizing the individual needs of students at this difficult time.
Students who met Braden or his family may experience a variety of emotions, and you may see the following behaviors: crying, vivid dreams, irritability, clinginess, withdrawal, physical complaints, fear of dying, or difficulty concentrating. Please talk to your student and remember that it is important to provide them with reassurance and the opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings. The following resources from the National Association of School Psychologists also provide tips and ideas for supporting your child with loss:
If you have concerns about your child and this loss, please contact your child’s school counselor, school psychologist, or school social worker. The WL Counseling Office can be reached at 703-228-6250.
Our deepest condolences to Braden’s family and friends. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Tony Hall
principal
