A man was found dead in a Gaithersburg apartment after what police are calling a possible home invasion.
Gaithersburg police offers responded to the report of a shooting shortly after midnight Monday. They found the man's body inside an apartment at 22 Whetstone Drive.
The victim has been identified as Cesar Smith, 45, of Gaithersburg.
According to investigators, Smith was in the apartment with another man when several others entered the apartment and separated them. The surviving victim heard the assailants arguing with Smith before leaving the apartment, authorities say. He then called police.
"It sounded like a commotion, like a loud, loud discussion," said a neighbor. "I thought it was a couple of people in there; it was a Sunday night and I didn't make anything of it."
Authorities believe this wasn't a random crime, and that Smith and his killers may have had some association. It's currently unknown whether he lived in the apartment where he was found dead.
Police are investigating the crime as a homicide and a possible home invasion with multiple suspects. They were interviewing other residents who were home at the time. Forensics teams were both inside and outside collecting evidence.
Police are asking anyone with information to call 240-773-5070. Those who wish to remain anonymous should call Crime Solvers at 866-411-TIPS (8477).
