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MONTGOMERY CO., MD – Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged 18-year-old Dakari Thomas for the stabbing death of 19-year-old Getro Banamina.

Thomas and Banamina were involved in a physical altercation on the morning of Tuesday, December 7, that escalated to Thomas allegedly stabbing Banamina. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on the 900 block of Ellsworth Dr. in Silver Spring.

When 3rd District officers arrived, they located Thomas, who was suffering from laceration wounds to his hand and arm. Thomas was also in possession of a knife. He advised officers that he was in an altercation with another male who had fled the scene.

Banamina was located in the 8400 block of Fenton St., suffering from a stab wound to his chest area. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Based on the initial investigation, detectives from the Silver Spring Investigative Section applied for and received an arrest warrant, charging Thomas with First Degree Assault. Those charges were ultimately changed to First degree murder upon the death of Banamina.

Thomas will also be charged with one count of attempted escape after he tried to run while he was being led to a police cruiser before being transported to the Central Processing Unit (CPU).

Thomas is currently being held without bond at the CPU.

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