Search Results for: Montgomery County Police

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.

Mother sentenced for neglect leading to son’s death

Dresher, PA

A mother has been sentenced to decades in prison after admitting to her role in the death of her 21-year-old son. Sherrilynn Hawkins was found guilty of charges including third-degree murder and neglect of a dependent.

Hawkins received a sentence of 25 to 50 years in a state correctional facility. Her son, Tylim Hatchett, died last year, weighing just 59 pounds.

In court on Monday, Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Wendy G. Rothstein imposed the sentence. First Assistant District Attorney Ed McCann noted that Hawkins showed no remorse during the proceedings.

Hawkins, along with her friend Loretta Harris, was responsible for Tylim’s care. Investigators found that they had neglected him for long periods, often leaving him alone for up to 24 hours at a time.

The 21-year-old suffered from cerebral palsy and required consistent care. Tylim was discovered unresponsive in their home on September 18 after Vernon Hatchett, his father, waited two hours to call for help.

An autopsy determined that the cause of death was complications from neglect. Police reported that Tylim had lost significant weight in the months leading to his death, dropping from 91 pounds to 59 pounds.

Both women had been compensated by a home health care agency for care they had failed to provide. Prosecutors allege that they falsified records to receive payment while neglecting Tylim’s needs.

Harris, who also faces charges, is set to be sentenced in December. Vernon Hatchett remains wanted on felony charges related to the neglect and death of his son. Authorities are offering a reward for information leading to his arrest.