Police Seek Assistance in Solving Abayneh Homicide

Alexandria Police are reaching out to residents for assistance in solving the recent homicide of Asabech Abayneh (Worku), who was killed in her home on Derby Court earlier this month.

According to police officials, “Anyone with information regarding Ms. Abayneh or who has had contact with her in the past six months” is being asked to come forward to speak with police. Witnesses to the homicide may remain anonymous. If you have information or know someone who does, please contact Detective Loren King at 703-746-6689.

Abayneh, who also used the last name Worku, was found dead in her home Friday, July 4. The Virginia Medical Examiner’s Office said last week the death was by strangulation. Abayneh, 43, lived on Derby Court, which is north of N. Beauregard Street and intersects with Sanger Avenue in Alexandria’s West End.

This is the third homicide in Alexandria this year. 

The second homicide victim was Julio Caesar Urrutia-Erazo, 27, who died after being shot on Russell Road in June. The first homicide this year was Ruthanne Lodato, who was shot at her home on Ridge Road Drive.