Shouts, Shoe Hurled at Suspect in Killing of Nabra Hassanen During Preliminary Hearing

(This article was updated at 2:50 p.m. following the conclusion of the hearing.)

A preliminary hearing in a Fairfax County court Friday afternoon for the suspect in the June murder of Nabra Hassanen was disrupted when her family’s anger boiled over.

The hearing was briefly halted after disruptions and outbursts directed toward the suspect, 22-year-old Darwin Martinez Torres, which included Hassanen’s father shouting “You killed my daughter!” and lunging toward the suspect. Hassanen’s mother also threatened and threw a shoe at the man.

Fairfax County deputies rushed into the crowded courtroom to maintain order, while the judge and Torres were ushered out of the room for safety.

At least five people were individually removed from the courtroom, WTOP reporter Mike Murillo reported, for their outbursts. Two, including Hassanen’s father, were forcibly removed by guards. The hundreds in attendance, many of whom were wearing “Justice for Nabra” T-shirts, were then all ordered out of the courtroom. The hearing was moved to a smaller courtroom and made private.

No cameras were allowed in either courtroom.

Torres, who faces a second-degree murder charge, ultimately waived his right to the preliminary hearing. That means the case is cleared to advance to trial.

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