News Releases

Detectives Investigate Death in Rockville as Homicide; Suspect Arrested

For Immediate Release: Friday, February 14, 2020

Detectives with the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating the death of Yousuf Rasmussen, age 24, of Brookes Lane in Bethesda, as a homicide.

The suspect, 27-year-old Sophia Negroponte of an unconfirmed address, was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder.

On Thursday, February 13, at approximately 11:16 p.m., 1st District officers, Rockville City police officers, and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to a residence in the 400 block of W. Montgomery Avenue for the report of a stabbing that had just occurred.  Responding officers located Rasmussen inside the residence suffering from what appeared to be a cutting wound.   Rasmussen was pronounced deceased at the scene.

During the investigation, detectives determined that Rasmussen and Negroponte were acquaintances and that they were involved in a disagreement while inside the home on W. Montgomery Avenue. During the disagreement, Rasmussen was injured.

Rasmussen’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) in Baltimore where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the manner and cause of his death.

Bond information for Negroponte is not yet available.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Additional information will be released once it has been confirmed. Anyone with information regarding this homicide investigation is urged to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070.

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Release ID: 20-081
Media Contact: Rick Goodale 
Categories: homicide