Crime & Safety

UPDATE: 45-Year-Old Gaithersburg Man Dead In Overnight Home Invasion

Gaithersburg's Cesar Smith was killed early Monday morning at an apartment complex on Whetstone Drive.

(Update, 1:45 p.m.)

Montgomery County police have identified 45-year-old Cesar Smith, of Gaithersburg, as the victim in Monday morning's home invasion death in an apartment complex on Whetstone Drive.

Detectives are working to confirm a more specific address for Smith, police said, and the case is being investigated as a homicide.

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(Original Post, 11:05 a.m.)

A man was killed early Monday morning in a home invasion at an apartment complex on Whetstone Drive in Gaithersburg, Fox 5 reported.

Find out what's happening in Gaithersburgwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Police were dispatched to the scene for a report of gunshots at 12:06 a.m. and found the victim when they arrived at the complex, located just off North Frederick Avenue (Route 355), according to the report.

Preliminary investigation revealed the victim was in the apartment with at least one other man when multiple suspects entered the apartment and separated the two men, police said in a press release.

After a brief amount of time, the suspects were heard arguing with the victim and then left the apartment, police stated. A survivor found the injured man inside the apartment and called police.

Police said investigators believe that this crime is not random and that the victim and suspects may have had some association. However, detectives are unable to confirm the type of relationship at this time. 

"Investigators spoke with others who were at the apartment at the time this event occurred," Montgomery County police spokesperson Capt. Paul Starks told Fox 5. "They reported that multiple suspects entered the apartment, and while their motivation is not clear at this time, they're unsure what if any property was taken." 

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this crime to contact 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) or leave a Crime Solvers tip.

View the full story on MyFoxDC.com.

Editor's Note: This article was updated at 11:15 a.m. to include additional information from Montgomery County police.


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