Murder Suspect Dies In Arlington County Jail: Police

ARLINGTON, VA — Police are investigating after they say the suspect in a Ballston homicide died in the Arlington County Detention Facility.

Police found 43-year-old Jitesh Patel of Woodbine, Md., unconscious in his cell early Monday morning, according to a report from the Arlington County Police Department.

"Arlington County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Nurses began immediate resuscitation efforts after finding Mr. Patel, before Fire Department rescue units arrived," the report states.

He was pronounced dead shortly after 6 a.m.

Patel had been in jail since July 26, 2018, awaiting trial for homicide.

John Giandoni, 40, of Arlington, was killed on March 16, marking the first homicide in Arlington County of 2018, police said. Officers found Giandoni dead inside his home in the 4100 block of 11th Place N. at about 7:35 p.m., police said.

"Arlington County Police detectives commenced an intensive four-month investigation, reviewing crime scene evidence and conducting numerous interviews," a police statement released Monday says. "This review revealed additional information about Patel's relationship to the victim that led detectives to identify him as the suspect."

Patel was arrested at his home without incident, police said.

He was charged with Murder, Burglary While Armed and Possession of a Firearm while in the Commission of a Felony.

Additional reporting by Cameron Luttrell/Patch