Suspect Arrested in Mississippi After Falls Church Nightclub Murder

Geovanny Alexander Mejia Castro was working his shift as at Diva Lounge (6763 Wilson Blvd.) in the back corner of the Eden Center last Friday when he was shot and killed, police announced today.

Police announced today that they arrested a suspect, Elser Galeano Herrera, 28, at his sister’s home in Mississippi today. Herrera will be transported back to Virginia, according to police.

In the press release, police said the murder was believed to be in retaliation for an earlier assault at the night club that did not involve Castro.

“The death of Mr. Castro is tragic,” said Police Chief Mary Gavin. “I’m proud of the swift and meticulous investigation that lead to the identification and location of the suspect. We are thankful for the assistance of a number of agencies in helping us find and arrest him.”

Full press release below:

City of Falls Church Police identified Geovanny Alexander Mejia Castro as the homicide victim in the September 11, 2020 shooting at the Diva Lounge (6763 Wilson Blvd.). Mr. Castro, a security guard at the night club, died from multiple gunshot wounds.

City detectives determined that the suspect was Elser Galeano Herrera, age 28. He was arrested at his sister’s home in Lucedale, Mississippi on Thursday, September 17 and will be transported to Virginia.

Police believe this murder was in retaliation for an earlier assault at the night club that did not involve Mr. Castro.

“The death of Mr. Castro is tragic,” said Police Chief Mary Gavin. “I’m proud of the swift and meticulous investigation that lead to the identification and location of the suspect. We are thankful for the assistance of a number of agencies in helping us find and arrest him: the City of Falls Church Sheriff’s Office, the Fairfax County Gang Unit, the FBI Gang Task Force, the U.S. Marshal Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, the U.S. Marshal Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, and the George County Sheriff’s Department.”

Photo via Google Maps