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Commonwealth's Attorney

Posted on: July 30, 2019

Jury Fixes Moreno's Sentence at Thirty-Eight Years for the Murder of his Sister

Moreno, Michel

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 30, 2019

Contact: Heather F. Williamson
Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
20 East Market Street
Leesburg, VA  20176-2809
(703) 777-0242

JURY FIXES MORENO’S SENTENCE AT THIRTY-EIGHT YEARS FOR THE MURDER OF HIS SISTER

FINAL SENTENCING SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 21, 2019

LEESBURG, Virginia – July 19, 2019.  After a nine day trial, a Loudoun County jury found Michel Moreno, 59, guilty of first degree murder and hit and run resulting in injury or death.  Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Jason Faw and Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Russet Perry presented the case on behalf of the Commonwealth.  The trial concluded with the twelve person jury fixing Moreno’s sentence at thirty-eight years in the Virginia Department of Corrections.

On the morning of July 21, 2018, Moreno began driving his sister Nancy to Dulles Airport for a business trip, when just north of the airport Moreno pulled over on Route 28 and Nancy got out of the car.  As she began to walk towards the airport, Moreno ran her down with an SUV and continued driving away from the area.  He never stopped to render aid or call law enforcement.  Mrs. Moreno was transported to Reston Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries a few hours later.  Mr. Moreno was located later that day at the Maryland Live! Casino near Baltimore, Maryland.  

During the course of the trial, the Commonwealth introduced eye-witness testimony, text messages, cell phone tower data, video surveillance, and expert testimony from the attending trauma surgeon at Reston Hospital and the medical examiner.  Additionally, two Loudoun County Adult Detention Center inmates with whom Moreno was housed, testified that Moreno had discussed the crime with them.

Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney Jason Faw urged the jury to sentence Moreno to life in prison.  "This is the type of case that changes lives forever," said Faw.  This crime "shows an act of a coward.  He didn't even give her a chance," continued Faw.

After less than three hours of deliberation the jury fixed Moreno’s sentence at thirty-eight years.

Moreno’s case is currently set for October 21, 2019 in Circuit Court where a final sentencing hearing will be held before the Hon. Thomas D. Horne who presided over the trial.  Moreno continues to be held in the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond.

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