Crime Archives - Page 189 of 238

Arrest Made for Murder of 16-Year-Old Student Killed While Walking Home From School in Prince George’s County

Published September 15, 2023 at 12:47PM

Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit has arrested a juvenile male for the murder of 16-year-old DuVal High School student Jayda Medrano-Moore of Greenbelt. According to PGPD, “on September 11, 2023, at approximately 3:45 pm, officers responded to calls for a shooting in the 9800 block of Palamar Drive. The victim was located outside suffering from a gunshot wound(s). She was pronounced deceased a short time later at a hospital.

The preliminary investigation reveals the victim was walking on Palamar Drive after leaving DuVal High School when a dispute occurred between two groups. During that dispute, a suspect(s) shot the victim. Investigators continue to work to determine the circumstances of the dispute and the shooting.”

Police Respond to Stabbing Thursday Evening

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 9:37PM

Montgomery County Police responded to the 900 block of Ellsworth Drive at approximately 6:10 p.m., on Thursday, September 14, for the report of a stabbing. According to police, a male victim was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries and a male suspect is in custody. Public safety reporter Cordell Pugh reports that the victim suffered chest & facial injuries.

This is an active investigation and we will provide an update if additional information becomes available. Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

Police Investigating Verizon Store Burglary

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 5:03PM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 6thDistrict Investigative Section are investigating a burglary that occurred on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at a Verizon store in the 17700 block of Muncaster Mill Road in Derwood. Detectives have released surveillance video of the suspect and are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying him. The investigation has revealed that the suspect broke a window to force his way into the store. Once inside, he stole store items before leaving the scene.

Detectives reviewed surveillance video and obtained a description of the suspect. The suspect is described as a Black male, with medium length black hair and a black beard. He is described as a wearing a tan long sleeve hooded t-shirt, black sweatpants with “Nike Air,” written vertically on the right leg and white sneakers with gray and black designs.

MD and VA Men Facing Federal Charges for Fraudulently Obtaining More Than $550,000 in COVID-19 Cares Act Unemployment Insurance Benefits Using the Personal Information of Identity Theft Victims

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2023 at 4:46PM

A federal grand jury has returned a superseding indictment charging Michael Cooley, Jr., a/k/a “Micheal Cooley Jr.,” “5Micmusik,” and “Michael White,” age 24, and Isiah Lewis, a/k/a “Zay,” age 33, both of Maryland; and “Alonzo Brown, age 26, of Virginia, for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, relating to the submission of fraudulent claims for unemployment insurance (“UI”) benefits under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act, enacted to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering from the economic effects caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The superseding indictment was filed July 19, 2023, and unsealed today upon the arrest of the defendants.

Lewis is expected to have an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt at 2:30 p.m. Cooley and Brown are expected to have their initial appearances in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, Georgia this afternoon as well.

Maryland MS-13 Gang Leader Sentenced to 28 Years in Federal Prison for Participating in a Racketeering Conspiracy, Including Murder

By MCS Staff

Published September 14, 2023 at 4:40PM

S. District Judge Paula Xinis sentenced Brayan Alexander Torres, a/k/a “Spooky,” age 29, of Adelphi, Maryland, yesterday to 28 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a racketeering conspiracy, including murder, related to his participation in the Weedams Locos Salvatrucha (“WLS”) clique of the MS-13 gang, which operated primarily in Adelphi, Maryland. Torres was the clique’s leader or “First Word.” Judge Xinis also ordered that Torres pay restitution in the full amount of the victims’ losses, including any funeral costs incurred by Victim 4’s estate.

According to court documents, La Mara Salvatrucha gang, also known as “MS-13,” is an international criminal organization composed primarily of immigrants or descendants of immigrants from El Salvador, with members operating in Maryland and throughout the United States. MS-13 members are organized in “cliques,” smaller groups that operate in a specific city or region, and are required to commit acts of violence, both to maintain membership and discipline within the gang and against rivals. One of the principal rules of MS-13 is that its members must attack and kill rivals, known as “chavalas,” whenever possible. MS-13 members earn promotions and improved standing within the gang for participating in attacks on rival gang members, often at the direction of MS-13 leadership.

Off-Duty Officer Pleads Guilty to Two Counts of Second-Degree Murder

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 3:09PM

According to the Maryland State’s Attorney’s Office, “Today in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Michael Mason, defendant, David Hall Dixon, 42, of Takoma Park, MD, pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder for the deaths of 38-year-old James Johnson and 32-year-old Dominique Williams, and one count of first-degree assault for shooting at a third victim. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 16^th, 2023. Dixon faces up to 30 years in prison per a plea agreement. The judge may or may not add additional suspended time.

This stems from an incident on the morning of April 7^th, 2021, when the defendant fired gun shots at a vehicle in the parking lot of his apartment building located along the 7000 block of New Hampshire Avenue in Takoma Park, striking two of the occupants. Dixon told police that he believed the people inside of the vehicle had been attempting to break into a parked van. The defendant was an off-duty Police Officer with the Pentagon Force Protection Agency. State’s Attorney John McCarthy and Assistant State’s Attorney George Simms are prosecuting this case.” Featured image courtesy of Google Maps.

MCPD: Detectives Investigating Hate-Based Vandalism on Josiah Henson Parkway Bridge Found in August

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 12:33PM

On August 27, 2023, at approximately 7: 53 p.m., 2nd District officers observed orange spray paint reading, “Club Aryan Excellent” with a black Swastika in an orange outline and a palm tree painted on the wall under the Josiah Henson Parkway pedestrian tunnel.

Anyone with information regarding suspect(s) or this crime is asked to visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County, MD website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org and click on the “www.p3tips.com” link at the top of the page or call 1-866-411-8477. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Tips may remain anonymous.”

Detectives Investigate Mail Theft in Bethesda

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 11:24AM | Updated September 14, 2023 at 11:50AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – 2nd District Investigations Division are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying two suspects who stole packages and mail from an apartment complex in Bethesda.

On August 19, 2023, 2nd District officers responded to the 5400 block of Westbard Ave. for the report of a theft that occurred earlier. The investigation by detectives has determined that two suspects entered the secured building, after a resident opened the lobby door to pick up a food delivery. Once in the building, the suspects stole multiple packages belonging to residents. Detectives obtained surveillance video of the suspects.

Police Investigating Armed Robbery of Germantown 7-Eleven; Video of Suspects Released

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 10:20AM

Per MCPD: Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police- Major Crimes Division area investigating a commercial armed robbery that occurred on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, at a 7-Eleven in the 12300 block of Middlebrook Road in Germantown. At approximately 12:45 a.m., 5th District officers responded to the location for the report of a commercial armed robbery.

The investigation by detectives has revealed that two suspects entered the 7-Eleven. One of the suspects displayed a black handgun, pointed it at an employee, forced the employee behind the cash register and demanded cash. The employee complied with the suspect’s initial demand. When the employee was unable to comply with the suspect’s demand to open the store safe, the suspect demanded personal property from the employee.

Defendant Sentenced for Involuntary Manslaughter in Fentanyl Overdose Case

By Patrick Herron

Published September 14, 2023 at 8:25AM

Courtesy Google Maps

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, “In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, the Honorable Christopher Fogelman sentenced defendant, Teymour Peters, 22, of Rockville, to ten years in prison suspend all but one year and five years of supervised probation upon release. In addition, the defendant has served seven months pre-trial and is not receiving credit for time served, so the total sentence is 19 months in prison. The sentencing hearing occurred on Monday, September 11^th.

Peters pleaded guilty on June 15^th, 2023, to involuntary manslaughter for the death of Kevin Ourand, 20, of Rockville. Ourand was found deceased by his mother in her basement on October 12, 2022. A medical examiner determined cause of death to be fentanyl intoxication. The defendant sold Ourand pills and it was clear from messages recovered from the victim’s phone that the defendant was aware the pills contained fentanyl. These were blue pills stamped with the letter “M” and the number “30” to mimic the appearance of prescription medication. This case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorneys Kimberly Cissel and Jennifer Harrison, who both serve on the Overdose Prosecution Task Force.”

Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office Launches Somber PSA on Impacts of Gun Violence

By MCS Staff

Published September 12, 2023 at 7:30PM

On Sunday, September 10, Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron launched a 60 second public service announcement encouraging viewers to take action to end gun violence. The video aired across Maryland just before kickoff of the Baltimore Ravens home opener, and will continue to broadcast across cable and digital platforms in Maryland.

“Gun violence impacts more than one person or one family. Friends, parents, employers, neighbors – all are forced to confront the devastating realities of gun violence,” said Maryland U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron. “We are bringing together law enforcement, community organizations, and private citizens in pursuit of a common goal: protecting the places we call home.”