Man, Woman Dead in Murder-Suicide, Police Say

Two people died in a murder-suicide in the Briggs Chaney area, Montgomery County police said.

About 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16, Silver Spring district officers, and fire and rescue personnel responded to a home in the 2900 block of Shepperton Terrace for the report of a domestic-related assault, police said in a statement.

When first responders arrived, they found Rosa Melida Contreras, 50, in a bedroom suffering from life-threatening-injuries, police said. Contreras was taken a local hospital, police said. Contreras lived at the home.

Officers found Genaro Cruz Ramos, 48, of an unconfirmed address, hanging from a rope tied to a tree, police said. Officers tried lifesaving measures on Ramos but he was pronounced dead at the scene.  His death has been ruled a suicide, police said.

Contreras died from her injuries at the hospital Wednesday, police said.

Detectives determined that Contreras and Ramos were believed to have been involved in a romantic relationship for about eight years but they had recently separated. On the evening of Sept. 16, Ramos arrived at the home and an argument ensued, police said. Ramos hit Contreras with a hammer, police said. A family member living in the home last saw Ramos leaving with a rope in his hand, police said.

Anyone with information about this murder-suicide is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5050.  Callers may remain anonymous.

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