Commonwealth’s Attorney Ray Morrogh said he has received the completed criminal investigation from Fairfax County Police into the Aug. 15 fatal shooting of Yovani Amaya Gomez, 29, by Fairfax County Sheriff’s Deputy MDS Patrick McPartlin outside Inova Fairfax Hospital.
Gomez had initially been taken to the hospital for treatment of either heat-related issues or a mental health crisis, or some combination, police have reported. Inova Fairfax declined to comment on Gomez’ treatment or conditions, citing the HIPAA Privacy Rule. He was released the same day and escorted to a bus stop, where he later reportedly began threatening people with a signpost.
Police said Gomez attacked a security guard with the post. Deputy McPartlin responded to a call for backup. When Gomez allegedly advanced on the deputy with the signpost raised, he didn’t heed orders from McPartlin to stop. The deputy shot him, and he didn’t recover from the wounding.
Official cause and manner of Gomez’s death have yet to be released. The results of the autopsy are included in Morrogh’s bundle from FCPD.
Morrogh said he received the FCPD report Thursday, Nov. 17 and has already begun reviewing the files. It could take up to 60 days to render a decision on whether there is any criminal liability, he said.
“The length of time it will take depends upon what is contained in the file and whether or not we need to do further investigation or consult experts, etc,” Morrogh said in an email. “I give these cases priority and try to provide answers as soon as possible without rushing to a judgment.”
Lt. Maegan Timothy, a representative for the Sheriff’s Office, said their own administrative investigation of the shooting will begin once the criminal investigation is concluded. They consider that to be when Morrogh announces his determination.
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