MARYLAND — Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) – Major Crimes Division continue to investigate the homicide of a male whose body was located on Tuesday, September 5 in Wheaton Regional Park located at 11715 Orebaugh Avenue in Wheaton. Miguel Angel Lopez-Abrego, age 19, of an unconfirmed address, has been arrested and charged with the first-degree murder of the victim. Detectives continue to work to confirm the victim’s identity.
Through investigation, Montgomery County Police detectives located the grave in Wheaton Regional Park. The victim’s body was exhumed and sent to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, who ruled the death a homicide by sharp force injuries. The victim had been stabbed over 100 times, decapitated and it’s heart removed.
During the investigation, detectives received information that this homicide was committed by MS-13 criminal street gang members to include Lopez-Abrego.
Lopez-Abrego was located by law enforcement in North Carolina on November 11 and was arrested on a Montgomery County first-degree murder warrant. Lopez-Abrego has been extradited to Montgomery County and will have bond review tomorrow, November 22, in Rockville District Court.
This remains an ongoing investigation. Detectives are urging anyone who may have information regarding this homicide or the victim’s identity to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070 or contact Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Callers may remain anonymous.
