According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today, in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Karla Smith sentenced defendant, Dakari Thomas, 20, of Silver Spring, to 25 years in prison suspending all but 12 years to serve and five years of supervised probation upon release. Judge Smith recommended Thomas be admitted into the Patuxent Youthful Offenders program while incarcerated.
On July 6, 2023, Thomas pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for the stabbing death of Getro Marius Benamna. The defendant and victim encountered one another along the 900 block of Ellsworth Drive in Silver Spring on December 7th, 2021 and began to conduct a drug transaction. Thomas was attempting to pass off another substance as marijuana. The two men became involved in a physical altercation and Thomas produced a knife, fatally stabbing Benamna. Assistant State’s Attorneys Cortenous Herbert and John Lalos prosecuted this case.”
“Once again, this was a situation where a fight over marijuana led to the loss of a young life in our community. The State requested an executed sentence of 25 years, but we respect the Judge’s decision in this matter. Our hearts remain with the family of Getro Benamna,” said State’s Attorney John McCarthy.
Recent Stories
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich released his weekly update to the community. It’s available via video above or written below:
A site plan was submitted earlier this month by Rosenfeld Investments for the redevelopment of Loehmann’s Plaza at 5200 Randolph Rd. in Rockville. Renderings available below, courtesy of Montgomery Planning.
Catherine Ladd, a 1st grade teacher at Wood Acres Elementary in Bethesda (MCPS), is a semi-finalist for “America’s Favorite Teacher.”
The Montgomery County Council has announced it will commemorate Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month on Tuesday, May 21 at 1 pm.
FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival
Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.
Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you’re an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.
