WASHINGTON — Police say a Maryland man is in custody as they investigate the brutal slaying of a Rockville couple in their home earlier this month.
Scott Michael Tomaszewski, 31, of Rockville, Maryland was arrested Saturday in Juneau, Alaska while on a cruise with his family. Police say he confessed to the murder during questioning.
Detectives say that, in 1998, Tomaszewski broke into the Vilarado’s home while they were away.
The arrest of Tomaszewski comes as Montgomery County police continue their investigation into the slayings of 65-year-old Richard Vilardo and his 67-year-old wife Julianne.
The two were found dead in their Ridge Drive home on Mother’s Day. Officials at the Lemon Creek Correctional Center in Juneau, Alaska say Tomaszewski was arrested on the dock where cruise ships operate just after 8 a.m. During the investigation, police say they found blood-soaked currency Tomaszewski’s wallet. He’s being held without bail on a warrant issued in Maryland.
Police have said previously that they believe the weapon was a knife or other sharp instrument, and that the murderer may have gotten in through a window but little other information has been provided.
The body of Julianne Vilardo was found inside the couple’s home; the body of Richard Vilardo was found out back.
“Dick and Jody Vilardo were a warm and loving couple,” a family statement said. “We know of no one who would wish them harm.”
During a press conference, State’s Attorney John McCarthy said Tomaszewski could fight extradition back to Maryland. He could be arraigned in District Court later this week.
