Crime & Safety

Suspect in Pham Case to Face Second Degree Murder Charges

Blanco-Garcia has been charged with three minor crimes since 2010.

UPDATE (8:23 p.m. Friday): Blanco-Garcia is in the country illegally, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. ICE placed a detainer on the murder suspect, allowing the ICE to take custody of Blanco-Garcia if he is released by local law enforcement.

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ORIGINAL (11:30 a.m. Friday): The Falls Church man arrested in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Vanessa Pham will face second degree murder charges, according to court records posted after an arraignment Friday morning.

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Julio Miguel Blanco-Garcia, 27, was arrested and charged last night with Pham's murder. Fairfax County Police and U.S. Marshalls took Blanco-Garcia into custody Thursday at the Vienna construction site where he worked. 

Acting Chief Lt. Col. James A. Morris said in a briefing Thursday night Blanco-Garcia would be charged with murder.

Find out what's happening in Fairfax Citywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

After appearing in court at 8:30 a.m. Friday, court records show Blanco-Garcia facing charges of second degree murder.

In Virginia, first degree murder charges tend to imply a murder was committed by "lying in wait, imprisonment," or by "any willful, deliberate, and premeditated killing," according to the state code.

Second degree murder doesn't imply a specific intent to kill. It carries a prison sentence of between five and 40 years.

Fairfax County Circuit Court records show Blanco-Garcia has a short history of less serious offenses, largely misdemeanors: 

  • Public swearing/intoxication, March 2010.
  • Petit larceny, Sept. 2011.
  • Concealment/Price alteration of merchandise, April 2012.

Blanco-Garcia is being kept in custody. The next step, attorney review, is scheduled for 9:20 a.m. Dec. 21. The preliminary trial isn't scheduled to begin until February. 

Check Patch for more information as it becomes available. 

Related stories:

VIDEO: Police Talk About Arrest in Pham Murder Mystery

UPDATED: Arrest Made in Vanessa Pham Murder

Police Still Looking for Suspect in Pham Murder Case

Strange Incident at Fairfax Plaza Connected to Pham Murder?

Editor's Pick: Top 10 Stories of 2010

Bench Dedicated in Murder Victim’s Honor


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