Two Silver Spring Men Charged in Deadly Teen Shootings Weeks Apart

Two Silver Spring Men Charged in Deadly Teen Shootings Weeks Apart

Authorities in Montgomery County, Maryland, have arrested two men linked to the fatal shootings of two teenagers in Silver Spring, occurring just weeks apart.

According to the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD), Jhony Steve Rosales Castillo, 20, and Juan Carlos Gutierrez-Hernandez, 18, face multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree murder of a minor victim, one count of attempted first-degree murder, and two counts of possession of a firearm under the age of 21.

Their arrests stem from the September 6 shooting that claimed the life of 17-year-old Charly Blayner Vail Lucas and critically injured a 21-year-old man at Long Branch Local Park on Langely Drive. Officers responded around 9:46 p.m. and found both victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Lucas was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second victim was rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Investigators later uncovered evidence connecting the suspects to another homicide: the August 19 killing of 17-year-old Jaril Verde Murillo, who was fatally shot along University Boulevard East.

While processing the September 6 crime scene, detectives executed a search warrant at a residence on 11th Avenue in Silver Spring. With assistance from a SWAT team, Rosales Castillo and Gutierrez-Hernandez were taken into custody without incident.

Officials say the investigation remains active as detectives continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding both shootings. MCPD urges anyone with information to contact their tip line.