A Virginia teen who had been observing Ramadan at a local mosque is believed to have been murdered, reports the Washington Post.
The remains of a body were found in a pond in Fairfax, and authorities believe it is the body of 17-year-old Nabra Hassanen of Reston.
She was in a group of five teens who were confronted by a motorist. The four other teens managed to escape back to their mosque, but Hassanen was left behind.
Police conducted an hours-long search for her before discovering the body.
22-year-old Darwin Martinez Torres has been charged with murder in connection with the case.
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WJLA reports a spokesperson for the family confirms the body is that of the girl.
The group of five had gone to a local eatery before beginning their fast when they were confronted. Police say they are not investigating this as a hate crime, but will not say why. Hassanen’s mother says she believes her daughter was targeted because she was dressed in traditional Muslim clothing.
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