Tragic Pedestrian Fatality in Fairfax County Prompts Police Appeal for Witnesses

On the evening of July 3, around 8 p.m., a quiet stretch of the 7900 block of Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley turned deadly. Julio Quintanilla, 61, a long‑time Alexandria resident, stepped out of a crosswalk and was immediately hit by a south‑bound 2025 Toyota Corolla.

First‑responders arrived within minutes, finding Quintanilla on the roadway. He was rushed to a nearby hospital with injuries that at first seemed survivable. Unfortunately, his condition deteriorated and he later succumbed to those injuries, leaving family and friends shocked and grieving.

According to Fairfax County police, the driver of the Corolla was uninjured and remained at the scene, where a citation was issued. Early investigative notes suggest that alcohol may have been a factor for Quintanilla, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.

Detectives are now piecing together the moments leading up to the crash. They are especially interested in anyone who saw the vehicle approach the crosswalk, heard a screech, or noticed unusual behavior from either party. Even the smallest detail could help paint a clearer picture of what went wrong.

If you were in the area that night—or if you happen to have a dash‑cam video, a photo, or just a vague memory—police urge you to reach out. You can call 703‑280‑0543, submit an anonymous tip via the Crime Solvers line at 1‑866‑411‑8477, or use the P3 Tips app. Anonymous contributors may be eligible for a cash reward, and detectives are ready to follow up with anyone who leaves contact information.

The incident has reignited conversations about pedestrian safety along Richmond Highway, a thoroughfare that sees heavy traffic daily. Local officials stress the importance of using marked crosswalks, staying alert, and never assuming a driver will see you. At the same time, they acknowledge that drivers also bear responsibility to watch for pedestrians, especially in areas where foot traffic is common.

As the community mourns, authorities hope that the collective memory of those who witnessed the tragedy will aid the investigation and, ultimately, help prevent future accidents. The search for answers continues, and every piece of information counts.