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Days before Thanksgiving last year, the driver, who was 17 at the time, was allegedly speeding and intoxicated when he was traveling south in a Lincoln Avitor on Shreve Road in Idylwood when he lost control.
According to investigators from the Fairfax County Police Department, as he came to the top of a hill, the teen lost control of the SUV and smashed into a tree, sending the vehicle spinning, and ejecting five of the teenagers who weren't wearing seatbelts.
Five were rushed to the hospital with what were described as life-threatening injuries following the crash, where one of them later died. Four others have since been released after being treated.
All of the victims involved were between the ages of 14 and 17.
"What is clear is speed and alcohol were factors in the crash and most juveniles were not wearing seatbelts," Fairfax County Police Lt. Jim Curry said at the time. "We're out here putting these pieces together to determine what happened."
Investigators noted that the driver was unlicensed, though the car belonged to a family member and was not stolen.
"As an officer ... as a parent ... to hear six juveniles were taken to the hospital with injuries that are life-threatening in the holiday season ... You usually focus on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, when we know individuals are out consuming alcohol and the assumption is that adults are out drinking," Curry said.
"It's easy to forget that juveniles do partake in alcohol illegally, but it's an important reminder that kids need to be responsible and parents need to have conversations (about it) with their loved ones to make sure everyone's safe."
Initially, charges for the driver were not filed as the investigation into the fatal crash continued.
On Wednesday, detectives from the department were able to obtain a detention order for the 17-year-old charging him with:
- DUI-related manslaughter;
- Four counts of maiming;
- Refusal to take a breath test.
The teen was arrested on Thursday at his Pimmit Hills home, and he is being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond.
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