Medical Examiner Rules Death of Missing Newport News Teen as Accidental Drowning

Medical Examiner's Findings

Matt Gillum, administrator for the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Norfolk, confirmed that the official cause of Marwa’s death has been ruled a drowning, and the manner of death has been categorized as an accident.

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State law prevents the office from expanding further on the specific details of the medical findings. The office typically categorizes manners of death into four major divisions:

• Accident

• Suicide

• Homicide

• Natural causes

Newport News Police spokesman Matt Michalec stated that the ruling was reached based on "the totality of the evidence" gathered from the police investigation combined with the forensic examination.

Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Disappearance

While the manner of death has been solidified as an accident, authorities note that certain specifics remain unknown.

"We don’t know how she entered the water," Michalec said. "There were not any signs of foul play, and the Medical Examiner determined her death to be accidental drowning based on their examination."

During an earlier news conference, Newport News Police Chief Steve Drew had stated that investigators found no evidence indicating anyone else was involved in Marwa's disappearance.

Timeline of the Incident

• March 19 (approx. 6:00 PM): Marwa gets off a school bus on Fontaine Road, off Warwick Boulevard. Though it wasn't her normal stop, she told the driver she needed to get closer to her grandparents' house (who did not live in that specific neighborhood).

• The Departure: She left her backpack on the bus, taking only her school-issued Chromebook and some papers. Investigators noted she had a normal demeanor, dropped her Chromebook shortly after, and walked toward the trail area alone. Surveillance showed no signs of duress or anyone following her.

• April 6: A landscaping crew working behind Riverside Regional Medical Center spots a body floating in Mariners' Lake. Forensic testing later identifies the deceased as Marwa.

Community Impact

The Newport News Police Department conducted a comprehensive search during the 18 days Marwa was missing, employing sonar equipment, searching trail networks, and reviewing communications.

Out of respect for the Barakzai family during this deeply difficult time, local officials and police spokespersons have declined to comment further on the details of the tragedy.