Police Investigate Homicide in Gaithersburg (Photos)

UPDATED

Montgomery County detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred shortly after midnight on May 24 in Gaithersburg. Police say a hatchet was used in the crime.

According to police, at approximately 12:09 a.m., patrol units responded to a reported burglary that had just occurred at a residence in the 7200 block of Cliff Pine Drive in Gaithersburg. A male caller, police said, reported that a subject had tried to break into the residence. According to police, the caller said that he had killed him.

Officers arrived at the scene and located the caller and a deceased male. Police said the preliminary investigation determined that this was not a burglary and that the caller and the deceased individual were known to each other.

The victim’s body was located in a wooded area behind the residence, according to police.

Police have identified the suspect as Claude Alexander Allen (20). Police said Allen is in custody and has been charged with homicide.

Police identified the victim as Michael Phillip Harvey (25) of an unconfirmed address.

At the scene, police were processing two scenes: one in a wooded area behind the home and another inside the home. The investigation continues.