On a rainy April afternoon in 2003, 21-year-old Bryan Michael Mace was found shot to death inside his rural Fauquier County home on Elk Run Road. Bryan had walked to a local video store earlier that day, April 9, and did not return; his stepfather, Carlo Bertelli, discovered thick black smoke when he entered the house and pulled Bryan’s body into the garage. An autopsy confirmed a fatal gunshot wound to the head.

Investigators determined the fire was intentionally set, with Bryan’s body as the point of origin, and that the house had been thoroughly ransacked. A large gun collection belonging to the stepfather, plus hunting gear and video games, were stolen; the firearm that killed Bryan was not from that collection. Because many items were taken, police suspect multiple burglars and believe the intruders may have been watching the home and returned after Bryan left, with Bryan interrupting a burglary when he came back.

No suspects have been publicly identified and no arrests have been announced. Does anyone who knew Bryan, lived nearby, or noticed suspicious activity in Midland or on Elk Run Road around April 9, 2003 have information to share?