Silver Spring man convicted in videotaped murder

Malik Jefferson, 25, of Silver Spring, was sentenced Wednesday to 55 years in prison after a jury found him guilty of second-degree murder.

Jefferson was convicted in the death of Jose Osvaldo Genao Romero, 22, and sentenced to 50 years in prison. He was additionally sentenced to five years in prison for violating probation on a first-degree child abuse charge.

Jefferson was also convicted of using a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence and robbery.

According to the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, the charges stem from an incident that occurred on February 17, 2022 at the intersection of Bradley Avenue and Fletcher Pike in Rockville. That’s where Montgomery County and Rockville City police officers found Romero suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He later died in a hospital.

His co-defendant, Jackson Garcia, 20, of Silver Spring, was sentenced March 21 to 60 years in prison and five years of supervised probation upon his release. Garcia was also found guilty by a jury.

According to the State Attorney’s Office, the two defendants picked up Romero and drove him to where the murder took place. A nearby surveillance camera filmed the attack.

According to court documents, the driver and front passenger can be seen on video removing the rear passenger from the car and leaving him in the roadway before driving away.

The victim appeared to be in pain and walked about 50 feet before collapsing and calling 911, according to court documents.

“We thank Judge (Harry) Storm for imposing long sentences that will protect the community from defendants who unnecessarily seek suicide,” State’s Attorney John McCarthy said.

Following Jefferson’s conviction, McCarthy said, “This is yet another case of a marijuana deal gone wrong in Montgomery County that resulted in murder.” Purchasing marijuana on the black market, which continues to exist despite legal changes in the state of Maryland, remains extremely dangerous.

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