[Archived] Police Receive Ballistics Report in Lodato Homicide

The Alexandria Police Department has received forensic reports from the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Forensic Science regarding the recent homicide of Ruthanne Lodato in comparison to evidence collected in previous homicides.

Their analysis shows that the bullets recovered from the Lodato case exhibit the same general rifling class and characteristics and are similar in design to bullets submitted in both the Ron Kirby and Nancy Dunning cases. However, the results of the microscopic comparisons were inconclusive. It was not possible to identify or eliminate these bullets as having been fired from the same firearm.

The similarities and unusual nature of all three shootings occurring in Alexandria require the Police Department to consider the possibility that all cases are linked together. Detectives are receiving assistance from state and federal agencies to pursue the cases as a series, yet at the same time keep all options open.

The suspect in the Lodato case is described as an older white male, with gray hair and a full beard. He was last seen wearing tan outerwear. Please take the time to review the information and consider whether you know someone who generally fits the suspect description, who lived or had ties to the area around the times of the homicides, or who may have spent considerable amounts of time in these areas.

We appreciate the public’s assistance throughout these investigations. We will release information to the public only when we are certain it is accurate and appropriate to release.  This is our obligation to the community, to the victims’ families, and to the integrity of the investigation.

The Alexandria Police Department asks that anyone with information about a person with ties to any of these crimes or who may resemble the composite is asked to contact the Alexandria Police Department at 703.746.6864 or email crimetips@alexandriva.gov.