Double stabbing homicide at Wheaton Plaza, suspect remains at large

Two male victims were stabbed to death near Hollister inside Westfield Wheaton Plaza mall yesterday around 3:15 PM. Montgomery County Police have not yet released a description of the murder suspect, who remains at large after escaping the scene Tuesday.

Police say the three men were involved in an altercation prior to the stabbings, and detectives are working to establish a motive for the crime. No description was given of the victims either, but the incident has many hallmarks of a typical violent gang encounter, which has so often turned serious or fatal in Montgomery County.

The Montgomery County Council has continued to ignore the situation and pretend there is no gang problem in the county, despite multiple gang-related shootings, stabbings and homicides. Earlier this year, two illegal immigrants - living at taxpayer expense in Montgomery County public housing, no less - were arrested on charges of kidnapping and gang-raping a 12-year-old girl in Wheaton.

Incoming president Donald Trump had promised in a campaign speech to suspend federal funds to sanctuary cities and counties like Montgomery via executive orders on his first day in office. It is unknown if that promise will be kept, but it is well past time for the Council to get serious about gang violence.

Police are asking anyone who may have information to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crimes Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect.