Four arrested in College Park murder of D.C. teen

Prince George's County police announced arrests and charges on Jan. 17 in the killing of 14-year-old Jefferson Amaya Ayala, a Washington, D.C., juvenile who was reported missing in August. Investigators say human remains recovered during a November search of Indian Creek Stream Valley Park in College Park were identified by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which determined the victim died of multiple injuries.

Authorities charged three men — William Gutierrez, Alan Garcia Padilla and Jose Merlos Majano — and a 17-year-old in connection with the murder. Detectives, working jointly with the FBI and district authorities, concluded the teen was lured to the park and murdered on Aug. 2. Investigators said at least one suspect was known to the victim and that the killing could be gang-related while the motive remains under investigation. Officials also said at least two suspects are currently in custody in other jurisdictions and will be transferred to Prince George's County pending extradition.

The arrests close a months-long investigative phase that involved interagency coordination and forensic identification, but they reopen broader debates about public safety and prevention in the county. Indian Creek Stream Valley Park is a frequented greenway in College Park used by families, students and commuters; the discovery of remains there last November unnerved local residents and highlighted vulnerabilities in off-street public spaces. The case underscores the role of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in establishing cause and identity and the necessity of cross-jurisdictional cooperation when suspects or evidence traverse municipal boundaries.

Policy questions for county leaders include whether to increase patrols and lighting at parks, invest in targeted youth-intervention programs, or reassess funding priorities between law enforcement and community-based prevention. The involvement of a juvenile suspect draws attention to how Prince George's County balances prosecution with rehabilitation, and how schools, social services and law enforcement coordinate to prevent youth violence. The extradition process for suspects held elsewhere will also test procedural timelines and public expectations for timely prosecution.

For residents, the immediate impact is both practical and emotional: College Park parks and nearby neighborhoods will be watching for increased police presence and for official briefings from prosecutors as charges proceed. Community groups and civic leaders are likely to press for transparent updates on motive, charging decisions and court schedules to ensure accountability.

What comes next is the transfer and formal arraignment of the suspects, potential extradition proceedings, and the start of criminal prosecutions. The outcome will shape local debates over park safety, youth services, and how Prince George's County mobilizes resources to prevent future tragedies and restore community confidence.