News Releases

Briggs Chaney Area Deaths Investigated as a Murder-Suicide

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 21, 2017

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department – Major Crimes Division are investigating two deaths that occurred in the Briggs Chaney area as a murder-suicide.

On Saturday, September 16 at approximately 9:07 p.m., 3^rd District officers and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to a home in the 2900 block of Shepperton Terrace for the report of a domestic-related assault that had just occurred.  Upon entering the residence, first responders located the victim, identified as Rosa Melida Contreras, age 50, of the Shepperton Terrace address, in a bedroom suffering from life-threatening-injuries received during the assault.  Contreras was transported a local hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Officers located the suspect, identified as Genaro Cruz Ramos, age 48, of an unconfirmed address, deceased behind the home.  He was found hanging from a rope tied to a tree.  Officers attempted lifesaving measures on Ramos but he was pronounced deceased at the scene.  His death has been ruled a suicide.

Contreras succumbed to her injuries at the hospital on Wednesday, September 20.

The investigation by detectives has determined that Contreras and Ramos were believed to have been involved in a romantic relationship for approximately 8 years but had recently separated.  On the evening of September 16, Ramos arrived at the home where an argument between Ramos and Contreras ensued.  Ramos assaulted Contreras with a hammer and was last seen by a family member, who was in the home at the time of the assault, fleeing from the home with a rope in his hand.

Anyone with information about this murder-suicide is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5050.  Callers may remain anonymous.

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Release ID: 17-291
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: homicide