$10K Reward Offered for Tips in Gaithersburg Fire Death

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The man who died in a Gaithersburg townhouse fire last month – which has since been ruled a homicide – suffered multiple injuries, authorities said Wednesday.

Montgomery County Police continue to investigate the death of Steven Skalabrin, 63, whose body was found after a March 29 fire at a townhouse in the 1800 block of Windjammer Way in Gaithersburg.

A reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspects is being offered by Crime Solvers of Montgomery County.

A smoke alarm warned two occupants of the home, who escaped the fire and called 911. Ultimately, the bulk of the fire was brought under control, and mostly contained to the townhouse's basement.

Captain Darren Francke, director of the police department’s Major Crimes Division, said Skalabrin’s remains were removed from the townhome’s basement March 30 and taken to the office of the medical examiner, where an autopsy was performed March 31.

No results from the autopsy, which could determine how the victim died, have been released.

Francke said the victim was badly burned, he declined to say if there were signs of trauma to Skalabrin’s body.

The department has been helped in its investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Homicide detectives ask anyone who has information about Skalabrin’s death to contact the Major Crimes Division at 240.773.5070. Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

»Gaithersburg fire scene photo courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Services