Missing Frederick Man Found Dead in His Car Trunk

Up to a pound of marijuana also found in car

The body of a missing Frederick man has been found in the trunk of his car, say Maryland State Police.

John P. Ryan, 37, was last seen Nov. 27. His body was found Monday afternoon in the trunk of his 2007 Lexus LS460L, which was parked in a lot used by multiple businesses in the 15000 block of Somerville Drive in Derwood.

Authorities say there was definitive trauma to Ryan's body. An unspecified amount of cash and up to a pound of marijuana were also found in the trunk.

Neighbors said the presence of marijuana seemed uncharacteristic for Ryan, and that he and and his family were involved in their community. The Ryans have two young daughters.

"Mr. Ryan has always been a very friendly gentleman, very businesslike but also a wonderful father," a neighbor told News4's Tony Tull.

Ryan's car is now at the Maryland State Police impound lot in Rockville as investigators search for evidence. His company car remained outside the family's home.

State police say that Ryan, who owned a home-based landscape and power-washing business, was reported missing Nov. 29 by his wife. She said she last saw him the night of Nov. 27 and that he'd left the house before she awoke the following morning.

Investigators had been searching for Ryan since he was reported missing. Authorities said they've interviewed numerous family members, friends and associates of Ryan.

His car was found around 2:30 p.m. Monday by a U.S. Department of Homeland Security investigations agent assigned to the Frederick County Narcotics Task Force.

No arrests have been made and investigators have not determined a motive.

Ryan's body will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy, authorities said.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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