News Releases

Detectives Ask for Public’s Assistance in Wheaton Area Assault Investigation

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 26, 2020

Update: Assault Now Being Investigated as Homicide

The victim, identified as Jose Lorenzo Villegas, age 20, of Adrian Street in Rockville, succumbed to his injuries at a medical facility on May 9.  The Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide by multiple blunt force injuries.

Detectives from the Major Crimes Division continue to investigate this homicide.  Anyone with information regarding this homicide is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070.  Those who wish to remain anonymous may contact Crime Solvers by phone: 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), online, or via the Crime Solvers app.  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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Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division are investigating an assault of an adult male that occurred early yesterday morning (Wednesday, March 25) behind an elementary school in the Wheaton area.  Detectives are asking the public for any information that can help to identify the male suspect involved in this assault.

At approximately 1:45 a.m. yesterday morning, 4^th District officers and Fire and Rescue personnel responded to the area behind Weller Road Elementary School (located at 3301 Weller Road) for the report of an assault that had just occurred.

The investigation by detectives determined that two adult males were behind the elementary school when they were approached by the suspect and three additional individuals.   The suspect approached and confronted one of the adult males and assaulted him.   After the assault, the suspect and the three other individuals fled and were last seen toward Janet Road.  The victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

Detectives are asking anyone who may have any information regarding this assault or information regarding the suspect or the three other individuals who were with the suspect 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.

rlg/CTJ

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Release ID: 20-124
Media Contact: Rick Goodale 
Categories: assault, homicide