The suspect in the deaths of a couple at their Rockville, Maryland, home returned from Alaska Friday night and is being held without bond.
Scott Tomaszewski was transported to the Montgomery County Central Processing Unit where he was charged with first-degree murder and burglary relating to the deaths of Richard and Julianne Vilardo.
The couple was found dead at their home on Ridge Drive when they didn't show up for Mother's Day plans. Her body was found inside the home; his body was found behind the home.
Former Montgomery County Police Sgt. Bill Preis helped detectives identify a suspect when he recalled a 1998 burglary and fire at the Vilardos' home. Tomaszewski was a neighbor who was house-sitting for the couple at the time. At one point, Tomaszewski was a possible suspect in that case, Preis said, but he provided information that helped police make an arrest.
Then in April, after a burglary across the street from the Vilardos’ home, Tomaszewski allegedly pawned some of the stolen items.
Tomaszewski was arrested on a cruise with his parents and a relative in Juneau, Alaska.
He confessed to killing the Vilardos and had blood-soaked money in his wallet at the time of his arrest, police said. The blood on the cash will be analyzed to determine if it is his or the Vilardos'.
Police said they believe the weapon was a knife or other sharp instrument and the suspect may have gotten in through a window.
Tomaszewski is expected to be arraigned in District Court in Rockville the next business day after his arrival in the county.
His lawyer will ask prosecutors to throw out the alleged confession.
The Vilardos were known for their work at the Children's Inn at NIH, a place for sick children participating in clinical trials. They had volunteered for more than 15 years and played a particularly important role four years ago when they volunteered to help raise funds for the renovation of The Inn's kitchens and dining areas, according to a statement from the Children's Inn.
