Fatal Hit-And-Run: New Details on Man Carried Mile By Car, Killed

SILVER SPRING, MD — New images of a vehicle that Montgomery County Police suspect struck and killed an elderly Layhill man were released Thursday as authorities asked for information on the accident that carried the pedestrian for roughly a mile before the body was left on the road.

Authorities released a description of what detectives believe to be the striking vehicle with video and photographs of the vehicle they say fled the scene after fatally hitting Julius Henry Newton, 77, of the 14800 block of Melfordshire Way in the Layhill. The hit-and-run crash happened Aug. 4 in the 14400 block of Layhill Road. Newton was found dead in the road at Bel Pre Road and Homecrest Road, about one mile away.

Detectives determined that Newton had been struck on Layhill Road as he walked from west to east across the inbound lanes of Layhill Road and had been carried by the striking vehicle about a mile to the Bel Pre Road and Homecrest Road intersection.

Witnesses said that after the vehicle struck Newton, it slowed down briefly and then accelerated, making a right turn to westbound Bel Pre Road.

The updated description of the car involved says it is:

• 1993 to 1997 Honda Accord
• Light to medium color – possibly tan, gold, silver, or white
• Color of passenger side front fender is darker than rest of vehicle

An exterior camera on a local business and a camera on a Montgomery County Ride On Bus captured what is believed to be the striking vehicle as it traveled on Bel Pre Road.

Anyone with information about the fatal crash is asked to call police at 240.773.6620. The Victims Rights Foundation is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person who committed the crime.

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 identification and arrest of the suspect. Tipsters can call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County toll-free at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).

»Photos of accident scene and car similar to one suspected in crash, and videos of suspect vehicle courtesy of Montgomery County Police