Top Headlines: Man Shot By Police Had Fake Gun, No Death Penalty for Accused in Germantown Double-Murder

No Death Penalty Sought in Germantown Double-Murder

GERMANTOWN—Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for a man accused of killing a Germantown mother and her 11-year-old son, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office told Patch. Defense attorneys referenced the decision during a pre-trial hearing. Curtis Lopez, 46, is accused of killing his estranged wife, Jane McQuain, and her son, William, who was found beaten to death. Read more at Germantown Patch. 

Man Shot by Police Had Fake Gun

SILVER SPRING—Police shot and fatally wounded a 22-year-old man staked outside of the home where his girlfriend was baby-sitting children. The suspect appeared to have a gun and after an altercation with police, he was shot. Detectives later discovered the gun was a replica. Read more on Silver Spring Patch. 

Pro-Israel Ad in Glenmont Metro Station Marked as 'Hate Speech'

WHEATON--Metro riders waiting for trains in Glenmont Metro Station Thursday afternoon might have noticed small 'Hate speech' signs affixed to an advertisement that read, "In any war between the civilized man and the savage, support the civilized man. Support Israel. Defeat Jihad." Read more on Wheaton Patch.

Lockheed Martin CEO Fined for Tree-Cutting near Potomac

POTOMAC—Lockheed Martin CEO Robert J. Stevens is facing fines and community outrage for clear-cutting trees along the Potomac River near his home, The Washington Post reported. Read more on Potomac Patch.

ROCKVILLE—Montgomery County and Rockville officials on Monday announced a request for a $4.16 million economic development grant to support construction of two mixed-use high-rise towers featuring a hotel, residences and street level retail space in Rockville Town Center. Read more on Rockville Patch.

Two Capital Crescent Trail Tunnel Assaults May Be Linked

BETHESDA—Two of the three recent attacks in the Capital Crescent Trail tunnel may be linked, according to Montgomery County police, and investigators have made two arrests in a July 6 tunnel assault thought to be unrelated. Read the full story on Bethesda Patch. 

CHEVY CHASE—Thieves accustomed to stopping by Chevy Chase Village for a few easy laptops and GPS units may want to rethink their strategies, because with the village's new bait car program, the thieves are much more likely to be caught. Read more on Chevy Chase Patch.

DC Levee Upgrade Races Against Climate Change

WASHINGTON, DC—In a city obsessed with security, sandbags are only now being replaced as a first line of defense against disastrous Potomac River flooding. Read more on Potomac Patch.

Homeowners Find Pantless Stranger Sleeping In Doorway

POOLESVILLE—Poolesville homeowners say they were stirred from their sleep by a stranger lying inside their front doorway with his shoes off and pants around his ankles. The man, whom police alleged “had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his person,” was charged with burglary and several alcohol-related offenses. The full story is at Germantown Patch. 

Boy Falls from Eighth Floor Silver Spring Apartment

SILVER SPRING—Police are investigating how a 4-year-old boy fell eight floors down from an apartment in the Long Branch neighborhood of Silver Spring. News4 reported that he suffered head injuries and a broken femur. Read more at Silver Spring Patch. 

Six New Restaurants Announced For Crown Development

GAITHERSBURG—Gaithersburg's new Crown Development, located along Fields Road across the street from Rio/Washingtonian Center, announced Thursday the first six restaurants that will occupy parts of the 260,000 square feet of retail in its downtown commercial corridor. Read the full story on Gaithersburg Patch.

Faith, Government Partner Sunday for Charity Concert

POTOMAC—Constitutionally separated but mission joined, Montgomery County’s faith organizations and government representatives will come together Sunday for a concert benefiting local charity. The Potomac United Methodist Church and the Washington Hebrew Congregation will present the Faiths-in-Action Concert Sunday at 4 p.m. at the PUMC location in Potomac. County and state government leaders will address the audience. Read more on Potomac Patch.