Jesse Brown Hernandez, a 22-year-old U.S. Park Police officer, was killed in an unintentional shooting in McLean, Virginia, on November 5, 2023. The Fairfax County Police Department says Hernandez was inside an apartment with three others, including two off-duty U.S. Park Police colleagues, when a 25-year-old colleague, Alexander Roy, was reportedly dry firing what was believed to be an unloaded firearm. The gun was loaded and a single shot struck Hernandez in the upper body; responders found him deceased at the scene.

Investigators believe alcohol was a contributing factor. The Fairfax County Major Crimes Bureau led the investigation, and, after consultation with the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney, Roy was arrested and charged with involuntary manslaughter and held without bond. The U.S. Park Police said their focus was on supporting families and colleagues.

If anyone was at or near the apartment that morning or has information about the circumstances leading up to the shooting, please share what is known.