News Releases

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division – Cold Case Squad continue to investigate a homicide that occurred in March of 1992.

On March 22, 1992, police investigation determined that victim James Essel died due to stab wounds that he suffered inside the Sugarloaf Mountain Market located at 23800 Old Hundred Road in Comus. The Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide. Through the course of the investigation, detectives believed that the murder occurred that same evening between the hours of 5:30 and 6 p.m.

Detectives established the following facts during the investigation:

* James Essel was the owner of the Sugarloaf Mountain Market and detectives believed that he was stabbed to death inside the store during an apparent robbery.

* Evidence at the crime scene indicated that Essel struggled with the unknown suspect during the apparent robbery. Recovered blood evidence supported that the suspect sustained an injury during the struggle.

* Detectives obtained a DNA profile of the suspect’s blood that was left at the scene. The DNA profile was entered into a national database in 1992 but as of yet, there has been no match.

* A witness observed a black, Pontiac Fiero in the parking lot of the store during the time frame the murder occurred.

* Investigators have reason to believe that the suspect was known to the area and may have been a prior customer to the store. Detectives also have reason to believe that the suspect possibly smoked Marlboro or Marlboro Light cigarettes.

With the new release of the information available about this unsolved case, detectives are hoping someone may remember something that they did not think was important to report to police in 1992. Anyone with information regarding suspect(s) or any other details that might advance this investigation is urged to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspect(s). Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

RLG