Howard County police charge 24-year-old with murder and urge public to report any sightings
COLUMBIA, MD — A manhunt is underway in Howard County after police obtained a murder warrant for a 24-year-old man accused of killing his girlfriend, who was found dead inside a Columbia home over the weekend.
Howard County police have charged Darwin Carcamo-Santiago, 24, with first- and second-degree murder in the death of 35-year-old Esmeralda Perez-Mendez of Takoma Park.
According to investigators, officers responded Sunday, July 26, to a residence in the 9000 block of Watchlight Court after an acquaintance of the suspect discovered Perez-Mendez dead in the suspect’s bedroom.
Detectives said Perez-Mendez suffered injuries consistent with strangulation. Preliminary findings indicate she may have been killed during the overnight hours between Saturday, July 25, and Sunday, July 26.
Police believe Carcamo-Santiago fled the area and are actively searching for him.
He is described as a Hispanic male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing approximately 140 pounds, with black hair.
Anyone with information about Carcamo-Santiago’s whereabouts is urged not to approach him. Instead, contact Howard County police at 410-313-STOP or email HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov.
The charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Howard County police are searching for a 24-year-old man wanted in a Columbia homicide.
- Esmeralda Perez-Mendez, 35, was found dead inside a home on Watchlight Court.
- Investigators say the victim suffered injuries consistent with strangulation and are asking the public to report sightings of the suspect.