Germantown Homicide Suspect Takes Own Life: Police

GERMANTOWN, MD — A suspect in a homicide case in Germantown killed himself as police tried to make an arrest on Tuesday, according to Montgomery County police officials.

Valentino Pritchett, 18, was a suspect in the fatal shooting of 20-year-old Germantown resident Stephen Frazier. The victim was shot around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday in the 12900 block of Churchill Ridge and later died in the hospital.

Around 7 p.m., in the area of Great Seneca Highway and Mateny Road, police found Pritchett traveling in a vehicle, according to a press statement. Pritchett was wanted for attempted murder in a previous incident.

As police moved in to arrest Pritchett, he shot himself, officials said. The suspect was declared dead at the scene.

Authorities say the homicide investigation is ongoing. Police urge anyone with information about the homicide to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070.

No additional information is available at this time. More updates may follow.

Image via Shutterstock

How To Get Help In Maryland

Maryland Crisis Connect is available 24/7 to provide support, guidance, and assistance. Call 211 then press 1 to reach a counselor, or access chat and text features at mdcrisisconnect.org.

Anyone struggling with mental health can get help by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which is available 24 hours a day, at 1-800-273-8255, by visiting this website or by texting HOME to 741741.

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