Crime & Safety

Suspect Charged in Death of Man Found In Car Trunk Near Shady Grove Metro

A 51-year-old Anne Arundel County man was charged with murder Tuesday in the death of John P. Ryan, whose body was found in the trunk of his car near Shady Grove Metro in December.

A 51-year-old Anne Arundel County man was arrested Tuesday at a New York airport in connection with the killing of a Frederick County man who was found dead in the trunk of his car near the Shady Grove Metro station in December, Maryland State Police announced in a press release.

Michael A. Stahlnecker, of the 1700 block of Fallsway Drive in Crofton, is charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony/violent crime, police said.

Police said Stahlnecker killed 37-year-old John P. Ryan of Frederick County in December. . State police have not disclosed the specific parking lot in which Ryan's body was found. The Shady Grove Metro station is located at 15903 Somerville Drive.

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Police said they suspect Ryan and associates were involved in the importation and distribution of marijuana. Stahlnecker was identified as a close associate of Ryan’s in this operation, the release said.

Investigators said Ryan and Stahlnecker had a meeting scheduled on the morning of Nov. 28 at a warehouse leased by the suspect in the 3300 block of Laurel Fort Meade Road in Laurel.

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Evidence indicates Ryan was shot at the warehouse location and then driven in his car to Derwood, where his body was found in the trunk, police said.

Stahlnecker is being held on a fugitive warrant in New York pending extradition to Maryland. The investigation is ongoing.


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