Two from Gainesville are indicted for murder

By Amanda Stewart

Published: June 3, 2008

A Prince William Circuit Court grand jury this week indicted two Gainesville residents charged in the death of a 20-year-old Manassas man shot at a party earlier this year.

On Monday, the grand jury indicted Matthew John Moran, 22, and Shannon Leigh Smerbeck, 20, on charges of first-degree murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling and use of a firearm in commission of a felony for the Feb. 3 shooting death of Joseph Christopher Page, who was shot during a party in the 7500 block of Alleghany Road, near Manassas Park.

A grand jury indictment means the prosecution has sufficient evidence to bring a case to trial. It is not a finding of guilt or

innocence.

According to court testimony during a May preliminary hearing, Moran, Smerbeck and a third man, Jose Obed Escobar, were asked to leave a party at the house on

Alleghany Road after a fight broke out between Moran and other party guests.

After leaving the party, Moran noticed his tooth had been chipped in the fight. He told Smerbeck, who was driving, to turn around and drive back to the house, according to court testimony.

Once they returned, Moran and Escobar walked to the rear of a house next door to the party.

During a preliminary hearing Escobar testified that Moran fired at least five shots at the house hosting the party.

Escobar said he did not know Moran had the gun until he pulled it out.

One bullet hit Page, who was standing on a back porch of the house. Page, who police said was not involved in the fight at the house, died a few days later at an area

hospital.

After the shooting, the men ran back to Smerbeck's car, according to court

testimony.

Smerbeck, who had been waiting in the car, then drove them away, Escobar said.

The gun was not

recovered.

Moran's trial is set for Oct. 20. Smerbeck is scheduled to stand trial on Nov. 17.

Escobar was previously indicted on charges of first-degree murder, shooting into an occupied dwelling and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

His trial is scheduled for Oct. 27.

Staff writer Amanda Stewart can be reached at 703-878-8014.