[Archived] APD Makes Arrest in Homicide

APD Makes Arrest in Homicide 

 For Immediate Release: January 12, 2022 (Original release: December 8, 2021)

*UPDATE* (1/14/2022 1:50 p.m.) -  Updated with mugshot of suspect.

This is still an active investigation and we are asking anyone with any information relating to this case to please contact Detective Michael Whelan by phone at 703.746.6228, email at Michael.Whelan@alexandriava.gov, or use APD's non-emergency number at 703.746.4444. Tips and information can be made anonymously. 

*Update*(1/11/2022 3:00 p.m.) - An arrest has been made in connection to this  homicide.  David Cunningham, 40, city of Alexandria resident, was arrested for 2^nd Degree murder and currently being held without bond.  

This incident is still being investigated and we are asking anyone with any information relating to this case to please contact Detective Michael Whelan by phone at 703.746.6228, email at Michael.Whelan@alexandriava.gov, or use APD's non-emergency number at 703.746.4444. Tips and information can be made anonymously. 

*Update* (12/14/21 3:00 p.m. ) - The victim in this incident has been identified as Melia Jones, 23, a city of Alexandria resident. 

ALEXANDRIA, VA. - The Alexandria Police Department responded to a call for service on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at approximately 2:40 p.m. in the unit block of South Van Dorn Street. Upon arrival, police discovered a 23-year-old black female deceased in her apartment. 

On December 8, 2021, the Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death to be a homicide.

The victim's name is being withheld at the family's request. 

This incident is under investigation, and we are asking anyone with any information relating to this case to please contact Detective Michael Whelan by phone at 703.746.6228, email at Michael.Whelan@alexandriava.gov, or use APD's non-emergency number at 703.746.4444. Tips and information can be made anonymously. 

For media inquiries, contact Marcel Bassett, Public Information Officer, at Marcel.Bassett@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.6600

This news release is available at: Alexandriava.gov/125404 

 The mission of the Alexandria Police Department is to provide competent, courteous, professional, and community-oriented police services