LEESBURG, Va. — A Leesburg man will face more serious charges ─ including potentially murder ─ after an infant he’s accused of severely injuring died.

Alvaro Mejia Ayala, 21, was arrested last week after an 8-month-old was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.

According to a criminal complaint, a family member found the child unresponsive with a white charging cord wrapped around her neck.

Ayala had left the scene before police arrived. Investigators say he called for a ride and told a friend he'd "been playing with his sister and that he may have 'killed her'."

Initially, Ayala was charged with strangulation. On Tuesday, Leesburg Police announced that the child had died since Ayala’s arrest.

In addition to murder, police say he may face more charges, and an ICE detainer ha

See Full Page