News Releases

Two Teens Charged in Connection with Gunners Branch Homicide

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Gaithersburg, MD – Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division have arrested 15-year-old Malik Hney of Kensington and 14-year-old Justin Acosta from Germantown in connection with the Friday, April 22, 2022, homicide that occurred in the 19500 block of Gunners Branch Road in Germantown.  

At approximately 10:50 p.m. on April 22, Montgomery County Police – 5th District officers responded to the 19500 block of Gunners Branch Road for the report of a shooting that just occurred.  

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male victim, later identified as 20-year-old Taon Lamont Cline of Frederick, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Officers immediately engaged in lifesaving efforts until Montgomery County Fire Rescue arrived on scene. Cline was pronounced deceased on the scene.  

Through investigation, patrol officers and the Major Crimes Division detectives were able to identify Hney and Acosta as suspects.  

On May 2, 2022, investigators obtained an arrest warrant charging both Hney and Acosta as adults, with First Degree Murder.  

On May 3, 2022, Hney and Acosta were arrested by members of the Montgomery County Department of Police – Repeat Offenders Unit. Hney and Acosta were transported to the Central Processing Unit where they have been charged with first-degree murder.   

This is an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives from the Major Crimes Division are asking anyone who has information about this homicide to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070 or contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Callers can remain anonymous.  

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Release ID: 22-229
Media Contact: CTD 
Categories: homicide