Montgomery County police are searching for two women, including a Phoenix resident, in connection with the killing of a 67-year-old woman found dead inside her Silver Spring, Maryland apartment. Investigators say both suspects are charged with first-degree murder and remain at large as authorities seek help from the public.
The case began as a welfare check and has since grown into a multi-state investigation involving close family ties and unanswered questions.
Case
Officers with the Montgomery County Police Department responded around 11:11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, to the Charter House apartments in the 1300 block of Fenwick Lane in Silver Spring. The call was made to request a welfare check on a resident.
Inside the apartment, officers located 67-year-old Hilde Henderson, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives were called in shortly afterward to begin a homicide investigation.
Discovery
Henderson’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Maryland. Following an autopsy, officials determined her death was the result of a homicide.
Police have not released information about the cause of death or specific circumstances inside the apartment. Those details have not been made public as the investigation remains ongoing.
Suspects
Through interviews and evidence collected during the investigation, detectives identified two suspects with personal connections to the victim.
Police say the suspects are Henderson’s daughter, 29-year-old Vanessa Tjongarero-Henderson of Clarksburg, Maryland, and her girlfriend, 36-year-old Samantha Raebel of Phoenix, Arizona.
Authorities have not explained what role each suspect is believed to have played in the killing.
Charges
Arrest warrants have been issued charging both women with first-degree murder. As of the latest update from police, neither suspect has been taken into custody.
First-degree murder is the most serious homicide charge under Maryland law and can carry a sentence of life in prison if a conviction is secured.
Search
Because one of the suspects is believed to be in or connected to Arizona, investigators say the search may involve multiple jurisdictions. Law enforcement agencies are asking the public to report any sightings or information that could help locate the suspects.
Police note that tips do not need to be confirmed to be useful and encourage anyone with information to come forward.
Public
Anyone with information related to the suspects or the case is asked to call 911. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers of Montgomery County by calling 1-866-411-8477 or visiting crimesolversmcmd.org.
A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest.
Case Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Victim | Hilde Henderson, 67 |
| Location | Silver Spring, Maryland |
| Date Found | May 26 |
| Suspects | Vanessa Tjongarero-Henderson, Samantha Raebel |
| Charges | First-degree murder |
| Reward | Up to $10,000 |
Unknowns
Police have not disclosed a possible motive or detailed timeline of events leading up to Henderson’s death. Investigators say those details may be released later as the case progresses.
For now, authorities remain focused on locating the suspects and continuing the investigation.
Impact
Cases involving immediate family members often raise difficult questions for investigators and communities alike. Officials say they are working carefully to ensure the case is handled thoroughly and responsibly.
As the search continues, police emphasize that public cooperation may play a critical role in resolving the case.
FAQs
Who was the victim?
Hilde Henderson, a 67-year-old woman from Silver Spring.
Who are the suspects?
Her daughter and the daughter’s girlfriend.
What charges were filed?
Both suspects are charged with first-degree murder.
Is a reward being offered?
Yes, up to $10,000 for information leading to arrest.
How can the public provide tips?
By calling 911 or Crime Solvers anonymously.
