Howard County police are hunting for 24-year-old Darwin Carcamo-Santiago, who they say killed his girlfriend after a 35-year-old woman was found dead inside a Columbia home.
Officers were called to a residence in the 9000 block of Watchlight Court on Sunday afternoon, where Esmeralda Perez-Mendez was discovered in a bedroom with injuries police say are consistent with strangulation. Investigators believe the killing happened sometime overnight from Saturday into Sunday, according to CBS Baltimore.
Suspect Description And Search
Detectives have obtained an arrest warrant for Carcamo-Santiago on first- and second-degree murder charges and believe he may have fled the area. He is described as a Hispanic male, about 5-foot-7 and 140 pounds, with black hair. Authorities are asking anyone who sees him or has information on where he might be to call 410-313-STOP or email [email protected], according to WMAR-2 News.
Local Context
The killing is the latest violent case to draw concentrated police attention in Columbia this year. Earlier this winter, Howard County investigators issued an arrest warrant in January in an earlier domestic-related murder case tied to a missing Ellicott City woman who was later found in Columbia. County officials say each investigation is handled separately while detectives pursue leads and interview witnesses.
Charges And Legal Status
Carcamo-Santiago faces formal counts of first- and second-degree murder, according to Howard County police, who are continuing to process evidence at the scene. Authorities have not released a possible motive and say the inquiry remains active, according to CBS Baltimore.
How To Help
Detectives emphasize that anyone with information, no matter how small it might seem, should contact the Howard County Police tip line at 410-313-STOP or email [email protected]. Tips can be submitted anonymously. The Howard County Police Department is leading the search and is urging community members to contact authorities immediately if they believe they have seen the suspect, per WMAR-2 News.
