2 Teens Killed In Newington Forest Area Shooting, Man Charged

Burke VA

26 April, 2021

9:24 AM

Description

SPRINGFIELD, VA — Fairfax County Police have charged a man in the fatal shooting of two teens Sunday in the Newington Forest area. Police responded to the 8000 block of Winding Way Court around 3:18 p.m. Sunday. Officers found one juvenile victim in the garage with upper body gunshot wounds. Officers attempted life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead by rescue personnel. A second juvenile victim was found in front of a home with an upper body gunshot wound. The juvenile was taken to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries. Detectives' investigation found the involved parties had a previous argument over social media. Four teens went to the home to talk to a resident, leading to a fight breaking out. During the fight, police say Zachary Burkard, 18, of Springfield, came out and shot two of the juveniles who arrived at the home. Burkard remained on scene and was taken into custody. Police recovered a gun as well. Burkard was charged with two counts of second degree murder and two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. A medical examiner is conducting autopsies on Monday. Per state law, the juvenile victims were not publicly identified. The Major Crimes Bureau's Victim Services Division was assigned to provide assistance to the victims' families. Police say the investigation remains active as detectives interview witnesses and examine evidence. These were Fairfax County's fifth and sixth homicides in 2021. Anyone with information can call the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2 or submit a tip through Crime Solvers.