Suspect charged in killing of Muslim teen pleads guilty

FAIRFAX, Va. - A northern Virginia man accused of raping and killing a Muslim teenager has entered a guilty plea.

Darwin Martinez-Torres of Sterling pleaded guilty in court Wednesday morning in Fairfax. He is charged with capital murder in the 2017 slaying of 17-year-old Nabra Hassanen, who was killed as she walked back to a mosque with friends after a pre-dawn, fast-food meal ahead of Ramadan services.

Hassanen's father held back tears as he spoke before reporters at a press conference outside the courtroom. Through a translator, he said he placed the case in God's hands. Martinez-Torres is expected to be sentenced to life in prison.

Hassanen's death received widespread attention amid concerns that her slaying was motivated by anti-Muslim sentiment, though police have said repeatedly they have no evidence of a hate crime. Prosecutors said no evidence of a hate crime has been discovered at this time but the investigation is continuing.

The Associated Press contributed to this article

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