Months after an Arlington man was found dead in his Arlington home, a suspect is now in custody after what police said was an intensive investigation.
On March 16, the sister of 40-year-old John Giandoni broke a window to get into his home at Stafford Square after she couldn't reach him. She found him dead inside and called police.
Neighbors said they never heard a gunshot or commotion.
The killing in a quiet community left neighbors on edge and a 4-year-old boy without his father.
At the time, police released few details. But on Monday, Arlington County Police announced that they've charged Jitesh Patel, 42, with murder, burglary while armed and possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony.
Patel was arrested Friday at his home in Howard County, Maryland.
He appeared before a Howard County judge Monday, where he waived extradition. Patel will now return to Virginia for his first court appearance on the murder charges in Arlington.
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Family and friends said Giandoni was devoted to his 4-year-old son. He worked as a data analyst for Booz Allen, loved outdoor sports and once was a volunteer soccer coach at Washington-Lee High School.
"He was an extremely personable guy, seemed like a guy who just loved life," a neighbor said.
