Police say they have arrested and charged an 18-year-old in a fatal stabbing that occurred Tuesday in downtown Silver Spring.
“Detectives from the Montgomery County Department of Police – Major Crimes Division have arrested and charged 18-year-old Dakari Thomas for the stabbing death of 19-year-old Getro Benamna,” reads an MCPD news release. “Thomas and Benamna were involved in a physical altercation on the morning of Tuesday, December 7, that escalated to Thomas allegedly stabbing Benamna. The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m. on the 900 block of Ellsworth Dr. in Silver Spring.
“When 3rd District officers arrived, they located Thomas, who was suffering from laceration wounds to his hand and arm. Thomas was also in possession of a knife. He advised officers that he was in an altercation with another male who had fled the scene.
“Benamna was located in the 8400 block of Fenton St., suffering from a stab wound to his chest area. He was transported to an area hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“Based on the initial investigation, detectives from the Silver Spring Investigative Section applied for and received an arrest warrant, charging Thomas with First Degree Assault. Those charges were ultimately changed to first-degree murder upon the death of Benamna.
“Thomas will also be charged with one count of attempted escape after he tried to run while he was being led to a police cruiser before being transported to the Central Processing Unit (CPU). Thomas is currently being held without bond at the CPU.
“This is still an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this crime is asked to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070 or 240-773-TIPS.”
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