Cold Case: 1992 Stabbing of Sugarloaf Mountain Market Owner

COMUS, MD — Twenty-four years have passed since a Comus store owner died in a struggle with a robber, and no suspect has been charged.

Montgomery County Police shared details about the case Tuesday, on the anniversary of James Essel's death, in hopes that new tips might yet lead to an arrest.

The department's Cold Case Squad continues to investigate the March 22, 1992, stabbing death of James Essel inside the Sugarloaf Mountain Market, 23800 Old Hundred Road in Comus. Detectives believe the murder occurred between 5:30 and 6 p.m. that day.

Detectives shared these details with the public:

Essel was the owner of the Sugarload Mountain Market and detectives believed that he was stabbed to death inside the store during an apparent robbery.

Crime scene scene indicated that Essel struggled with the unknown suspect. Blood evidence showed that the suspect was injured during the struggle.

A DNA profile of the suspect’s blood left at the scene was entered into a national database in 1992 but as of yet, there has been no match.

A witness saw a black, Pontiac Fiero in the parking lot of the store during the time frame the murder occurred.

Investigators believe that the suspect was known to the area and may have been a prior customer at the store. The suspect possibly smoked Marlboro or Marlboro Light cigarettes.

Detectives hope someone may remember something that they did not think was important to report to police in 1992. Anyone with information regarding suspect(s) or any other details is urged to call the Major Crimes Division at 240-773-5070.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crime Solvers of Montgomery County is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspect(s). Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

»Photos of James Essel, Sugarloaf Mountain Market, and Pontiac Fiero similar to suspect vehicle, all courtesy of Montgomery County Police.