News Releases

Detectives Investigate Undetermined Death at Underage Drinking Party in Derwood

For Immediate Release: Sunday, July 17, 2016

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police - Major Crimes Division and officers from the Alcohol Initiatives Section (A.I.S.) are jointly investigating the death of a 25-year-old male who was attending an underage drinking party and later found unresponsive in the home’s swimming pool. No foul play is suspected in the male’s death.  The cause of death remains undetermined pending the results of an autopsy by the Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore.

On July 17 at approximately 2:38 a.m., 6th District officers, along with Fire and Rescue personnel, responded to the 5800 block of Winegrove Court for the report of a possible drowning.

The investigation revealed that Diego Padilla, from the 100 block of Spring Street in Gaithersburg, was present at the underage drinking party which was being hosted by two adult brothers who reside at the home. Persons at the party contacted 9-1-1 after Padilla was found unresponsive in the pool.  Padilla was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

The hosts of the party initially denied A.I.S. officers entry into the home to conduct the investigation into the underage drinking party.  Officers contacted a relative of the homeowner who responded to the house and allowed officers to gain access to the home.

A.I.S. officers observed several extremely intoxicated people outside of the home and large quantities of alcoholic beverages on the rear deck of the house.  A.I.S. officers charged ten adults (ages 18-20) and one juvenile with possession of alcohol by persons under 21.  A.I.S. officers will continue to investigate the party and charges are pending against the party’s host.

The circumstances surrounding Padilla’s death and issues related to the underage alcohol party remain under investigation.  Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070.

RLG

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Release ID: 16-177
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: press-releases