News Releases

Update: Two Additional Suspects Arrested for May 28 Homicide in Silver Spring

For Immediate Release: Monday, June 19, 2017

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department Major Crimes Division continue to investigate the homicide of Sulaiman Jalloh, age 24, from the 10700 block of Begonia Lane in Bowie, that occurred on Sunday, May 28, outside the Days Inn located at 8040 13th Street in Silver Spring.

On May 29, detectives announced the arrests of two individuals Ruben Ortiz and Shanee Collette Cox, and that they were looking for additional suspects.

The brother of Ruben Ortiz was developed as a suspect, a warrant was obtained, and he was arrested on June 11. Antonio Ortiz, age 22, of the 1900 block of Rosemary Hills Drive in Silver Spring was charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. He is currently being held without bond.

Through the course of the investigation James Polk Jackson, age 23, of an unconfirmed address, was also developed as a suspect. He was arrested in Alexandria on Wednesday, June 14 and charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery. After extradition back to Montgomery County, he is also currently being held without bond.

The investigation developed that prior to the fatal assault, Jalloh and his friends had been approached by Ruben Ortiz and Cox on May 27 at the Silver Spring Metro Station. Ruben 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 p.m., but instead of purchasing marijuana, Jalloh’s group robbed Ruben Ortiz of cash and his shoes.

Later, Ruben Ortiz and his small group went to Jalloh’s Days Inn room and demanded the return of the shoes and cash. The cash and shoes were returned.

Just before 2:30 a.m., Jalloh left his room and walked to the parking lot of the Days Inn. There he was assaulted by a group which included Ruben Ortiz, Cox, Antonio Ortiz and Jackson. During that assault, Jalloh was beaten, stabbed, and robbed.

After the assault, Jalloh went back to his hotel room and police were called. Jalloh was transported to and succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

Detectives continue to work toward identifying additional suspects in this case.

Anyone with information in reference to this homicide is asked to call 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.

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Release ID: 17-178
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: homicide