News Releases

Update: Victim’s Identity Released in Germantown Homicide

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, September 11, 2019

The victim in the September 9 homicide that occurred in the 20000 block of Dunstable Circle has been identified as Jennifer Sparks, age 39, of an unconfirmed address.

On Monday, September 9th, at approximately 8:51 p.m., 5th District officers responded to a residence in the 20000 block of Dunstable Circle for the report of an assault that had just occurred.  During the investigation, detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division arrested and charged Lawrence Edward Sakkestad, age 34, of the 20000 block of Dunstable Circle, for homicide.

Officers who had responded to the call at Sakkestad’s residence observed that Sakkestad appeared to have been involved in an assault.  During a check for any additional victims inside the home, officers located Sparks deceased in the home.   During the initial investigation, Sakkestad made statements indicating involvement in Sparks’ homicide.  Sakkestad was placed under arrest.  Sparks' body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore where an autopsy will be conducted to determine her cause of death.

Sakkestad was charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.

rlg/CTJ

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Release ID: 19-348
Media Contact: Rick Goodale 
Categories: homicide