News Releases

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 5, 2023

Gaithersburg, MD – 23-year-old Manuel Alejandro Ayala, of Layhill, has been arrested and charged with a shooting and murder that he allegedly committed on Monday, September 4, 2023.

At approximately 7:54 p.m., 4th District officers and Montgomery County Fire Rescue personnel responded to the 14200 block of Punch St. for the report of a shooting.

Upon arrival, officers located an adult male in the street, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. He was transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

When officers entered a nearby home, they located 65-year-old Rosa Maria Benitez-Ozuna, of Layhill, deceased. Officers also located the suspect’s mother suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was transported to an area hospital in serious condition.

Officers identified Ayala, who is a resident of the home, as the suspect and took him into custody without incident. Montgomery County Department of Police – homicide detectives responded to the scene.

Ayala was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit where he was charged with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted first-degree murder and numerous firearm related charges. He is currently awaiting a bond hearing.