Police investigate Alexandria's second homicide of the year

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - Alexandria police are investigating their second homicide of the year.

A man was shot and killed late Wednesday night on Belle Pre Way, just a few blocks from the Braddock Road Metro stop. Police arrived at the scene and found 37-year-old Leon Williams suffering from a gunshot wound. He died at the hospital.

Police say their investigation is just preliminary, but they believe it was not a random crime. Anthony Giuliani and his fiance were driving home on North Henry Street when it happened.

"All of a sudden as we pass Belle Pre -- it was just a spray of gunfire. One of the bullets hit our car," said Giuliani. "All I wanted to do was put my head down to make sure I didn't get hit."

This is the second homicide in Alexandria this year. The first, which is still unsolved, happened just a block away. The city's mayor tried to reassure people that the neighborhood is safe.

"We will not tolerate these types of activities," said Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille. "Again, unfortunate, unacceptable, but feel very confident that our police will get to the bottom of this as swiftly as possible."

Police have not released a suspect description, but at least one business has turned over surveillance video to investigators.

Meanwhile, a vigil in the victim's honor was planned for Thursday night.