Man Sentenced to 55 Years in Prison for Brutal Murder of Wife in North Kensington

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Margaret Schweitzer sentenced defendant, Reginald Dunlap, 45, of Silver Spring, to life in prison suspend all but 55 years to serve and five years of supervised probation upon release. On March 10^th, 2023, a jury found Dunlap guilty of First-Degree Murder for the brutal slaying of his wife, 40-year-old Lauren Charles. Charles was beloved in the community and dozens of friends and family members attended today’s sentencing hearing.”

Charles’ body was found inside the couple’s home on March 7^th, 2021. She had asphyxiated due to a pillowcase forced down her throat and was beaten to death. A decorative Buddha statue is believed to have been the murder weapon. After murdering his wife, defendant, Dunlap poured bleach on her body and ransacked their bedroom in order to stage a crime scene.

Assistant State’s Attorneys Debbie Feinstein and Sheila Bagheri prosecuted this case. They remind anyone in need of resources surrounding domestic violence to visit: Family Justice Center Home (montgomerycountymd.gov)