Body found in Willston Shopping Center

Update, March 13, 3:13 p.m.: Police identified the victim as Gilberto Mendez, 49, of Falls Church. He was not homeless as previously thought. Detectives are investigating the circumstances of Mendez’ death. He had multiple injuries that could be consistent with a fall, but the Office of Chief Medical Examiner has not yet issued an official ruling on the cause and manner of death.

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Fairfax County Police are investigating a suspicious death in the Willston Shopping Center in Seven Corners. The body of a 49-year-old Hispanic man was found in an alley behind the Exxon station on Arlington Boulevard next to Patrick Henry Drive at about 7:20 a.m. March 12.

“Someone who was in the area, visiting one of the local shops, had noticed a person lying on the scene,” said 2nd Lt. Steve Wallace, head of the FCPD homicide squad, according to a report on WTOP. The man was unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

The victim appears to be homeless, the FCPD reports. Police have identified the man and are working on notifying next of kin. An autopsy by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is scheduled for March 13.