OLNEY, Md. - Detectives from the Montgomery County (web | news) Police Major Crimes Division arrested Spiro Mehilli, age 25, of the 800 block of Butternut Street in northwest D.C. for the January 23, 2008, homicide of 74-year-old Gennaro Fato.

Mehilli was charged with first-degree murder and is currently being held without bond at the Montgomery County Detention Center.

Evidence found at the crime scene and brought there by the involved suspects had been submitted for DNA testing. Through the course of the investigation, Mehilli, a friend of Fato's stepson Elis Kertusha and Fato's wife Fatmira Fato, was developed as a suspect. A DNA sample was obtained during an interview with him, and it was found to be a major contributor to the DNA profile originally obtained from the evidence at the scene.

A motive for the homicide has not yet been determined and the investigation is continuing as to the involvement of any other individuals.

The murder happened on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at approximately 9:57 p.m. Officers responded to the 3600 block of Martins Dairy Circle in Olney for a possible burglary in progress. Upon arrival, they found Fato deceased in the area of the home's garage.

The preliminary investigation revealed that just prior to the assault Fato had picked up his wife from the T.J. Maxx store in Olney. He and his wife had just arrived home. They drove into the garage, Mrs. Fato got out of the car and went inside the house. She heard voices coming from the garage and saw two unknown masked men armed with a long-barreled gun confronting her husband. She called 911, but Fato was shot and killed by the unknown suspects.

Detectives ask anyone who may have any information regarding this homicide to call 240-773-5070. Callers may remain anonymous.

 Email To Friend           Digg It!