Alexandria police charged a 63-year-old city man with second-degree murder after Joshua Cochran, 44, reported missing Monday, was found dead in an apartment.

Alexandria police have charged a city man with second-degree murder in the death of Joshua Cochran, 44. Cochran had been reported missing Monday. Detectives found him dead inside an apartment at an Alexandria residence.

The department arrested John Stremple III, 63, of Alexandria. He was booked into the Alexandria Detention Center on Wednesday, Oct. 28. That is according to the Alexandria Police Department’s release issued Wednesday.

An arrest or charge is an accusation. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in court.

How the search unfolded

The department gave this timeline in its release:

  • Monday, Oct. 26: Cochran was reported as a missing person.
  • Tuesday, Oct. 27: police raised his case to critical missing status, based on information from family members.
  • Tuesday evening: detectives and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management’s Search and Rescue Team searched Dora Kelley Nature Park.
  • After that: detectives went to an Alexandria residence and found Cochran dead inside an apartment.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 28: Stremple was booked into the Alexandria Detention Center.

Police said financial transaction records and security camera footage helped investigators trace Cochran’s activity. Those records also helped them identify a person seen with him.

“These technological resources provided important investigative leads that helped detectives advance the case,” the department said.

Police said Cochran’s next of kin has been notified. The department has not said where the apartment is, how Cochran died or how he and Stremple knew each other.

What it means for you

  • Have information? The department asked anyone who can help to call 703-746-4444. The investigation is ongoing.
  • Dora Kelley Nature Park in the West End was searched as part of the investigation. Police have not said the park is connected to where Cochran was found. Our parks and trails guide has the park’s hours and entrances.
  • More police news is collected in our police and fire log.

We will update this page when the department releases more information, including any court dates the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office announces.

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