News Releases

For Immediate Release: Monday, May 29, 2017

Detectives with the Montgomery County Police Department, Major Crimes Division continue to investigate a homicide that occurred in Silver Spring on Sunday, May 28. Today investigators are confirming the identity of the victim as Sulaiman Jalloh, 24 years old, of the 10700 block of Begonia Lane in Bowie. Detectives are also identifying two suspects who have been charged.

Ruben Ortiz, 20 years old, of the 2000 block of Erie Street in Adelphi and Shanee Collette Cox, 19 years old, of the 2200 block of Georgian Woods Place in Wheaton have each been charged with 1st degree murder and armed robbery, relating to the homicide and robbery of Jalloh. They were arrested at approximately 10:00 p.m. on Sunday at the Erie Street address. After the arrest, both Ortiz and Cox spoke with investigators.

Investigation revealed that Jalloh, with a small group of friends, had been approached by Ortiz and Cox on Saturday, May 27 at the Silver Spring Metro station. Ortiz and Cox offered to sell Jalloh marijuana and they agreed to meet in front of the Days Inn for the transaction. The two groups met just after 11:00 p.m., but instead of purchasing marijuana from Ortiz and Cox, Jalloh's group robbed Ortiz of cash and his shoes. Later, Ortiz and a small group of subjects went to Jalloh's Days Inn room and demanded that the shoes and cash taken in the robbery be returned. Cash and shoes were returned to Ortiz and the group left. Just before 2:30 a.m., Jalloh left his room and walked to the parking lot. There he was assaulted by a group of subjects including Ortiz and Cox; Jalloh was beaten, stabbed, and robbed. After the assault, he went back to his room where police and Fire and Rescue personnel were called. Jalloh was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Ruben Ortiz and Shanee Cox are being held in the Montgomery County Detention Center without bond. Bond review for each of them is scheduled for Tuesday, May 30 at 1:00 p.m. in Rockville District Court.

Major Crimes Division detectives continue work toward identifying additional suspects in this case. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240.773.5070. Those who wish to remain anonymous may call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers will pay a cash reward of up to $10,000 for information provided to them that leads to an arrest in this case.

PRS