County police investigate Dec. 22 murder at Tackett’s Mill Shopping Center

Murder Investigation – On Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 9:31PM, Prince William County police officers responded to the 12700 block of Harbor Dr in the Lake Ridge area of Woodbridge (22192) to investigate a shooting, according to First Sgt. Jonathan Perok, public information officer for the police department.

When officers arrived, they initially located two victims, later identified as the deceased and an 18-year-old woman, in the parking lot of the Tackett’s Mill shopping complex suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers provided immediate first aid to the victims until rescue personnel arrived.

While officers were tending to the victims, a third person, later identified as a 19-year-old man, was located on Tacketts Village Sq., also suffering from gunshot injuries. Officers provided immediate first aid to that man until he and the two victims were transported to an area hospital for treatment. A short time later, the male victim died as a result of his injuries at the hospital.

A police K-9 and helicopter assistance from Fairfax County police aided in the search for any suspects involved in the encounter. During the search, a man was located on Gorham Way and was detained without incident. That individual, later identified as Daquil Raheem SMITH, was subsequently determined to have been involved in the shooting.

The investigation revealed that two vehicles arrived in the parking lot of the shopping complex to conduct a narcotics transaction. One vehicle was occupied by the accused and the 19-year-old man who was found with gunshot injuries on Tacketts Village Sq. The other vehicle was occupied by the victims and a third man. During the encounter, the accused and the other suspect fired into the second vehicle, striking the two victims.

The third male occupant in the second vehicle was not injured. Immediately after the shooting, the suspects fled on foot, and police were contacted. Following the investigation, detectives with the Homicide Unit arrested the accused in connection to the shooting.

Additional charges are pending against the 19-year-old male suspect who remains hospitalized. The female victim sustained serious injuries and is expected to survive. The investigation continues.
         
Arrested on Dec. 22: Daquil Raheem SMITH, 19, of the 6900 block of Garman St in Philadelphia, PA
Charged with murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and use of a firearm in commission of a felony
Court Date: Pending | Bond: Held WITHOUT Bond

Identified:
The deceased was identified as Matthew Joseph COSTANZO, 22 of Woodbridge