Va. police search for missing woman's body as ex-boyfriend remains on the run

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (TCD) -- Police are continuing to search for a missing 35-year-old woman's body as well as her ex-boyfriend who authorities believe killed her then buried her somewhere in Maryland.

According to a Fairfax County Police Department statement, Hannah Choi was last seen March 5 at her home in Alexandria. Her friends reportedly went to her home the next day, but no one answered. After failing to miss some appointments, friends called police to report Choi missing. Police searched the home and said it "appeared to be in order except for bedding which appeared to be missing from a bedroom."

Fairfax County Police learned Choi spent "significant time" with her ex-boyfriend and the suspect, Joel Mosso Merino, the last day she was seen. Detectives reportedly believe Choi "may have sustained a significant injury" during this time together.

According to the statement, detectives found Merino's vehicle in Washington, D.C. and said they found evidence "to suggest Ms. Choi was harmed prior to her disappearance." Officials soon obtained a warrant for Merino's arrest on charges of second-degree murder and disposal of a body.

Her body has not yet been found.

Fairfax County Police believe Merino left the state of Virginia and asked the U.S. Marshals Service for help in taking Merino into custody. Detectives reportedly concluded Merino "spent a significant amount of time" at a park in Prince George's County, Maryland, the night Choi disappeared. Officers searched Piscataway Park for two days and are looking at additional locations to search for her.

Fairfax County Police Maj. Ed O'Carroll said in a press conference, "We have evidence and details that make us believe, firmly believe, without any doubt, that she's deceased. This is tragic. My deepest condolences to Hannah's family, friends, and our community. We are committed to finding Hannah and finding her killer."

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