News Releases

Montgomery County Police Investigating Stewart Lane Death (Victim's Identity Released)

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 9, 2024

UPDATE: The victim has been identified as Ellis Rudolph Smith, Jr., of Silver Spring. 

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Gaithersburg, MD - The Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division is investigating the death of a 45-year-old male who was found inside of an apartment in the 11400 block of Stewart Lane.

At approximately 1:06 a.m., on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, 3rd District officers responded to the address for a fight in progress. Upon arrival, officers met with 46-year-old Wesley Cooper of Gaithersburg.

Officers then located an adult male inside of the apartment. He was pronounced dead on scene.

The body has been transported to the office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause and manner of death.

Cooper was taken into custody and charged with second-degree assault and first-degree murder. He is currently being held at the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit, where he awaits a bond hearing.

The name of the deceased will be released following proper notification of next of kin.

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Release ID: 24-295
Media Contact: S.D. Goff 
Categories: homicide