Suspect Charged In 2020 Homicide In Frederick

He was apprehended on Tuesday.

Kelly Nicole Serra

 

Frederick, Md (KM) Frederick Police say a suspect has been apprehended in connection with a homicide last year. Santos Margarito Turcious Benitez, 45, of Hempstead, New York, was taken into custody on Tuesday. He’s currently incarcerated  at the Nassau County Jail awaiting extradition to Frederick.

Turcious Benitez is charged with 1st-degree murder for the death of Kelly Nicole Serra, 37, of Frederick. . Her body was found on July 29th, 2020 in a wooded area between 66 and 90 Waverly Drive behind the former Frederick Town Mall.. The State Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a homicide; she was stabbed.

Authorities say the investigation into this homicide is continuing, and anyone who has information which could help is asked to contact Frederick Police. The Non-Emergency Number is 301-600-2100. Citizens can also remain anonymous and call the Tip Line at 301-600-TIPS {8477}. Tips can be sent by e-mail to [email protected]. Citizens can also text their information to 240-674-2612.

Turcious Benitez’s arrest was a coordinated effort between detectives with the Frederick Police Department, Hempstead Investigations Unit, Glen Cove Police Department, New York State Police, the FBI Gang Task Force and the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force.

 

By Kevin McManus