westfield-wheaton-sign (Original Image)

Update: January 12 at 12:20 p.m. - The second victim is being identified as Kevin Siloe Moya Cruz, age 22, of Wheaton. 

Update: January 11 at 2:45 p.m. - One of the victims is being identified as Angel Alfredo Gomez -Pineda, age 24, of Silver Spring.



Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – Major Crimes Division are investigating a double homicide that occurred this afternoon inside of the Westfield Wheaton shopping mall.

On Tuesday, January 10 at approximately 3:17 p.m., the Emergency Communications Center (ECC) received a 9-1-1 call for an assault and possible stabbings that had just occurred inside of the Westfield Wheaton mall located at 11160 Veirs Mill Road in Wheaton. Officers from the 4th District along with Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the mall and located two male victims on the lower level of the mall suffering from apparent stab wounds.  Both victims were transported to area hospitals with life-threatening injuries.  Both victims succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.

Investigators believe that the suspect and a small group of subjects, including the two victims, became engaged in a physical altercation with each other in the lower level of the mall a short time before the stabbings occurred.  Investigators are working to confirm a motive for the stabbings and a description of the suspect.

The investigation of these homicides is ongoing.  Detectives urge anyone who may have information to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crimes Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect.

PRS