Fatal Stabbing At Alexandria BJ's Leads To Indictment

ALEXANDRIA, VA — An Alexandria man was indicted last week in the September 2021 fatal stabbing at BJ's in the West End.

An Alexandria grand jury's indictment charges Rakibul Islam Fakir, 33, of Alexandria, with first degree murder. The maximum sentence could be life in prison.

The indictment stems from the Sept. 25, 2021 stabbing at BJ's, 101 S. Van Dorn Street. Police found the victim, Abiy Zemene, 29 of Silver Spring, Maryland, with apparent stab wounds. Officers and EMS attempted life-saving measures, Zemene was pronounced dead.

The suspect remained on scene and was taken into custody. Police believe the victim and suspect knew each other.

A trial date has not yet been set in the case. Fakir is being held without bond at the William G. Truesdale Adult Detention Center as he awaits trial.