GoFundMe page setup for Matthew Ortega’s family

Fairfax County police say Matthew Ortega was found dead on Jeb Stuart Square Wednesday morning after suffering severe trauma to his upper body. Police identified the teen yesterday and now the community is rallying to support the family, exceeding the goal on the family’s GoFundMe page.

Matthew Ortega

“With a heavy broken heart I am sadden to update you all that the victim was identified as 17 year old Matthew Ortega, Son, brother, uncle and very loved by many. We ask you all to keep us in your prayers but especially keep the Ortega family in your thoughts as well in your prayers. We respectfully ask for space to allow the family to grieve peacefully,” the page states, setup by Margarita Ortega.

Matthew was found just after 5 a.m. by a newspaper delivery driver who spotted Ortega’s body lying on the ground.

“It’s a very delicate issue,” said Fairfax County Police Chief Edwin Roessler. “It is a difficult position for law enforcement to be in to then seek permission from a grieving family. It’s a horrible thing that we have to do, but I understand the law, I obey the law and we treat every victim as a precious person and do the best we can to seek that permission.”

Ortega was a junior at Centreville High School and lived in the neighborhood.

Police have been quiet on details about the crime or motive.

“We are making great progress and we will bring justice to the family,” said Roessler. “I cannot go into specifics at this point in time.”

Authorities are still asking that anyone with information to please call 703-246-7800. or 703-691-2131 (number added via GoFundMe page).

Full original story HERE