(Photo/Susan Hale Thomas)
Officials shut down several streets near the scene of last week’s homicide as police swept the area for more evidence in the fatal shooting of 59-year-old Ruthanne Lodato.
As of 8 a.m. Tuesday, authorities had closed the intersections of Ridge and Braddock roads, Circle Terrance and Central Avenue, Farm Road and Virginia Avenue, and Ridge Road Drive and Virginia Avenue. Traffic likewise was restricted in the area, with police asking nonresidents to keep away.
Police academy recruits are handling the search. They expect to wrap it up by 4 p.m., but the hunt may end earlier in the day, officials said.
Lodato, a beloved local piano teacher, was shot while answering her front door about 11:35 a.m. Thursday. She succumbed to her injuries later in the day. Her caretaker was injured in the shooting.
The gunman remains at large. Police released a composite sketch of the man, described as older, bearded and balding, late Friday evening.
Authorities ask anyone with information about the case to contact the department at 703-746-6864.
