Arrest Made in Death of Montgomery Village Transgender Woman

A Germantown man is facing charges in connection with the homicide of a transgender female in Montgomery County.

According to police, Zella Ziona, 21, of an unconfirmed address in Montgomery Village died of an apparent gunshot wound Thursday night. Authorities were called to the area behind 18312 Contour Road for the report of a shooting around 5:49 p.m.

Ziona was found and taken to an area hospital where she died.

On Friday, police arrested 20-year-old Rico Hector Leblond, of Germantown. Leblond was arrested at the Germantown Transit Center and taken into custody without incident.

Leblond and Ziona knew each other and had some degree of friendship prior to Ziona’s murder, police said.

Leblond is charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond. A bond review has been scheduled for Monday.

Image via Montgomery County Police