Police Blotter

Man sentenced to life for strangling ex-girlfriend and disposing of body in Maryland

Silver Spring, MD A man has been sentenced to life in prison with 40 years suspended for murdering his ex-girlfriend. Francisco Lara-Garcia, 33, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder for the death of 20-year-old Keylin Chavez Dominguez.

The couple began dating in early 2021 in Honduras and later moved to Rockville, a suburb of Washington D.C. Lara-Garcia became jealous when Dominguez began a relationship with another man in August 2022.

Chavez Dominguez was last in contact on December 30, 2022, sending a message to her new boyfriend. When she did not make further contact, he reached out to Lara-Garcia, who claimed not to know her whereabouts.

Under pressure from family members, Lara-Garcia reported Chavez Dominguez missing on January 2, 2023. Statements made during this report indicated inconsistencies, leading to suspicion of his involvement.

On January 28, 2023, a man’s discovery of a body concealed in trash bags beneath the eastbound Intercounty Connector confirmed the worst fears. An autopsy determined the victim had been beaten and strangled to death.

Lara-Garcia attempted to flee the region, but was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Missouri on February 1, 2023. In a subsequent interview, he admitted to killing Chavez Dominguez during an argument over music.

Following the argument, Lara-Garcia allegedly punched her multiple times, causing her to fall to the ground. He strangled her until she was lifeless and then transported her body in trash bags to a bridge, where he disposed of her remains before celebrating New Year’s Eve in Philadelphia.

Montgomery County State’s Attorney John McCarthy expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts in seeking justice for Chavez Dominguez’s family. The investigation revealed Lara-Garcia’s deceit, which misled both police and the victim’s loved ones for an extended period.