Police issue warrant for homicide suspect

Woman’s body was found dead last week at her Wheaton home

Monday, April 3, 2006

Click here to enlarge this photo Quintanilla

Police are looking for Silvino Quintanilla, 24, who also goes by the name Giovanni, following the killing of his girlfriend, Maritza ‘‘Ana” Hernandez. Quintanilla is wanted for first-degree murder in the case.

Family members discovered Hernandez’s body at her home in the 11400 block of Sherrie Lane Friday after hearing from her employer that Hernandez, who was a waitress, had not reported to work March 29 or Thursday, according to police. Officers responded to the home about 11:45 p.m.

The State Medical Examiner’s Office in Baltimore ruled Saturday the cause of death was asphyxiation, though the time of death has yet to be determined, police spokeswoman Blanca Kling said Monday.

‘‘Basically, through the course of the investigation, [Quintanilla] was developed as a ...suspect,” Kling said. ‘‘Also, there was a note left implicating his involvement.” Kling said the couple had been dating for about three months at the time of the murder.

Police described Quintanilla as Hispanic, 5-feet 6-inches tall and 180 pounds. His last known address is in the 4200 block of Walters Lane in Forestville.

He is known to drive two vehicles: a silver 2003 Acura RSX with Maryland license plate 8ASJ22 and a 2-door green 1995 Honda Civic with Maryland license plate 1BKE20.

Anyone with information about Quintanilla’s whereabouts is asked to call the Major Crimes Division’s Homicide⁄Sex Section at 240-773-5070, or call Crime Solvers of Montgomery County at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). Crime Solvers is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and⁄or indictment in the case.