Rockville, MD – In the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, MD, before the Honorable Rachel McGuckian, a jury found defendant Benjamin Dresbach, 23, of Kensington, guilty of second-degree depraved-heart murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a crime of violence, and possession of a short-barreled rifle in connection with the death of 29-year-old Trevor Van Devander. The jury returned its verdict on Thursday, August 20, 2026.
Dresbach faces a maximum of 65 years in prison. A sentencing hearing is scheduled for December 18, 2026.
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On January 13, 2025, Montgomery County Police responded to the 3900 block of Franklin Street in Kensington after the defendant called 911 to report that he had shot his friend inside. Responding officers searched the house and located Van Devander in the basement, suffering from a gunshot wound. Dresbach admitted there was an altercation between the defendant and the victim that led to the shooting. Dresbach used an illegal short-barreled rifle and shot Van Devander in the head. Van Devander was pronounced dead at the scene.
Assistant State’s Attorneys Donna Fenton and Peter Larson are prosecuting this case.
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Read the original article at mcsao
