Three different people are facing criminal charges in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred earlier this month in Woodlawn.
According to police, Jaylin Hartless, a 21-year-old Alexandria resident, was found with gunshot wounds to his upper body on Sept. 19 after officers responded to the 3400 block of Buckman Road around 4:45 a.m. for a report of someone breaking into a vehicle.
The officers attempted to revive Hartless, but he was ultimately declared dead at the scene by Fairfax County Fire and Rescue personnel.
An initial press release on the shooting drew “numerous” tips through the Fairfax County Crime Solvers program, the Fairfax County Police Department says.
“Through those tips, detectives identified Tavon Ferguson, 31, of Alexandria, Tennida Ferguson, 49, of Alexandria, and Tavon Lang, 32, of Alexandria as the suspects involved in the shooting,” the FCPD announced today (Monday).
Tavon Ferguson was arrested on Sept. 23 after detectives located him in Woodlawn. Wanted on a property destruction charge in Alexandria, he is currently being held without bond at the city’s Adult Detention Center ahead of a preliminary hearing in October.
After legal proceedings in Alexandria wrap up, he’s expected to be transferred to the Fairfax County jail and charged with second degree murder, using a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, according to the FCPD.
Tennida Ferguson and Lang are both in custody without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center after getting arrested on Sept. 25 and Sept. 26, respectively, police say.
Lang is facing the same charges as Tavon Ferguson, while Tennida Ferguson has been charged with accessory to murder after the fact, concealing evidence and obstruction of justice, suggesting police believe she helped the two men attempt to cover up their alleged involvement in the shooting.
Tennida Ferguson is scheduled for a bond hearing at Fairfax County General District Court tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8:31 a.m., followed by a joint preliminary hearing with Lang on Dec. 23, per online court records.
According to court records, Lang and Tennida Ferguson are both residents of the zip code that includes Groveton and Hybla Valley.
Describing him as a “light” who has now been “ripped from us,” the sister of Jaylin Hartless has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help the family cover funeral expenses. As of press time, the fundraiser has drawn over $18,000 out of a $20,000 goal.
