CAROLINE CO. MURDER VICTIM IDENTIFIED

(Preston, MD) – A man murdered in Caroline County last week has been identified and Maryland state troopers are asking for the public’s help in developing information about the three suspects responsible for his murder.

The victim is identified as Virgilio Morales Hernandez, 37, who had no fixed address. He was identified by a relative currently working in New Jersey. Hernandez was from Guatemala and was a migrant worker who had been employed on farms on the upper Eastern Shore.

Shortly before midnight on August 6, 2009, two men and a woman entered a rural residence where ten migrant workers were living in the 6400-block of Bell Creek Road, Preston. Both men were armed with handguns and the three demanded money. The victim began arguing with the suspects and was shot and killed. Another man in the house was struck in the face with a handgun. The suspects escaped with an undetermined amount of money.

The suspects are described only as a white female and two African American males. The suspects are believed to have left the area after the murder in a gray or silver car that was likely parked along Bell Creek Road during the robbery and murder.

Troopers from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit are continuing this investigation, with assistance of troopers from Easton Barracks and deputies and officers from local law enforcement. Anyone with information about this murder, or anyone who may have been traveling on Bell Creek Road between 11:00 p.m. on August 6th and 1:00 a.m. on August 7th, is urged to contact Maryland State Police at the Easton Barracks at 410-822-3101. Calls may be kept confidential.