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Shoe thrown at suspect in Muslim teen’s slaying during courtroom outburst

Posted at 12:30 AM, Oct 15, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-15 00:30:36-04

FAIRFAX, Va. -- The family of a murdered teenager shouted at the man accused of killing her during a preliminary hearing on Friday.

As Darwin Martinez Torres, 22, was led into the courtroom at the start of the hearing, Nabra Hassanen's father shouted "You killed my daughter" and a shoe was thrown at the defendant, WDCW reported.

The proceeding was put on hold while Fairfax County Sheriff's deputies cleared the courtroom.

Darwin Martinez Torres

Darwin Martinez Torres

When it resumed, Torres waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

Torres is accused of killing Hassanen in June as she and her friends, who were observing Ramadan, walked back to their mosque. Fairfax County Police said it stemmed from a road rage incident.

 Nabra Hassanen

Nabra Hassanen

"Everyday, I think about my daughter and I don’t want anything happening to nobody to lose his daughter like what I lose," said Hassanen's father, Mahmoud. "I love my daughter all my heart. She used to be very nice lady."

Mahmoud Hassanen

Mahmoud Hassanen

Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Morrogh said he will be presenting evidence to a grand jury on Monday and more charges may come from that. But he added he has seen no evidence that would lead to a hate crime charge as some have wanted, believing Hassanen's Muslim faith played a role in her murder.

When asked if this could become a capital case, Morrogh replied, "Anything's possible."