Arrest warrant issued for man accused of killing girlfriend in Columbia

COLUMBIA, MD. (WBFF) — An arrest warrant has been issued for a man accused of killing his girlfriend in Columbia over the weekend.

Darwin Carcamo-Santiago, 24, is charged with first-and-second-degree murder in the killing of Esmeralda Perez-Mendez, 35, of Takoma Park.

Howard County Police said the murder occurred inside a home in the 9000 block of Watchlight Court.

On July 26, authorities responded to the home in the afternoon after an acquaintance of Carcamo-Santiago found Perez-Mendez dead in the suspect’s bedroom.

Police said that the victim suffered injuries consistent with strangulation.

At this point, detectives believe she may have been killed in the overnight hours between July 25 & July 26.

Detectives believe Carcamo-Santiago may have fled the area and are actively searching for him.

He is described as a Hispanic man who stands 5’7″ tall and weighs 140 pounds. He has black hair.

Anyone who has any information on his whereabouts is asked to contact police at 410-313-STOP or HCPDCrimeTips@howardcountymd.gov.