News Releases

Montgomery County Police Investigating Damascus Homicide

For Immediate Release: Monday, June 19, 2023

Gaithersburg, MD – A 32-year-old Damascus man was shot and killed on the evening of Sunday, June 18, 2023.

At approximately 9:57 p.m., Montgomery County Department of Police – 5th District officers were dispatched to the 9800 block of Bethesda Church Rd., for multiple calls for a shooting that just occurred.

Upon arrival, officers located the victim, James Joel Austin, suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Despite lifesaving efforts by officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel, Austin was pronounced dead at the scene. There is no one in custody and no suspect information is available at this time.

The victim has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect(s). Callers may remain anonymous.

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Release ID: 23-349
Media Contact: L.N.J.Ivey 
Categories: homicide