Ashburn Murder Case Sent to Grand Jury

NORMAN K. STYER nstyer@loudounnow.com

An Ashburn murder case is moving closer to trial after a District Court judge Monday ruled there was enough evidence to send the allegations to a grand jury for indictment.

Ever R. Cruz, 24, is charged with aggravated malicious wounding and second-degree murder in the Aug. 21, 2022, death of 38-year-old

Pedro Casalez “Hector” Cala.

Cala was found lying in the dog park in the University Heights neighborhood around 3 a.m. Aug. 15, 2022, suffering from extensive head wounds. He died from the injuries a week later.

According to testimony at the March 20 preliminary hearing, investigators believe Cruz struck Cala between one and three times with his hand or fist causing the severe injuries.

The case hinges on circumstantial evidence, including a deputy witnessing Cruz’s car leaving the scene at about the time the assault was reported, Cruz’s cellphone data placing him in the area at the time, and Cala’s blood being detected on