Murder-Suicide Kills Woman, Ex-Boyfriend In Briggs Chaney: Police

SILVER SPRING, MD — A man used a hammer to kill his estranged partner before he committed suicide in the Briggs Chaney area of Silver Spring, police said.

Police were called to the 2900 block of Shepperton Terrace at about 9:07 p.m. Saturday for the report of a domestic-related assault that had just occurred.

First responders located the victim—identified as Rosa Melida Contreras, 50—in a bedroom suffering from life-threatening injuries.

The victim's ex-boyfriend, Genaro Cruz Ramos, 48, of an unconfirmed address was found hanging from a tree behind the home. Officers tried to revive Ramos, but he was pronounced dead on the scene. His death was ruled a suicide, police said.

Contreras was transported to a local hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries Wednesday, police said.

Detectives believe Contreras and Ramos recently separated after eight years of dating. Police believe Ramos arrived at the home and the two started to argue. A family member who was in the home at the time of the assault last seen Contreras flee from the home 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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