Newport News, VA Homicide: Police Seek Public's Help on I-64

Newport News, VA – Virginia State Police are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect in a 2023 homicide along Interstate 64 in Newport News that left a Washington, D.C., man dead.

According to Virginia State Police, troopers responded at approximately 6:41 p.m. Oct. 15, 2023, to a reported homicide on eastbound I-64 near Victory Boulevard.

Investigators said 47-year-old Mario Amaya Orellana was involved in an altercation with another person on the shoulder of the interstate. Police allege Orellana was pushed into the roadway during the encounter and was subsequently struck by a passing motorist in the right travel lane.

Orellana suffered fatal injuries, according to state police. His family was notified.

Authorities said the other man allegedly involved in the altercation left the scene before law enforcement arrived. Witnesses described the suspect as a light-skinned Black man approximately 6 feet tall with dreadlocks. Police said he fled in a blue Kia four-door sedan.

Virginia State Police released three witness-provided photos of the suspect vehicle as investigators renewed their request for information.

Police said no charges were filed against the passing motorist who struck Orellana.

More than two years after the death, investigators are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help identify the suspect to contact Virginia State Police at 804-750-8788.

The investigation remains active, and the person sought by police has not been identified or charged in connection with the homicide.