(DERWOOD, MD) -- Maryland State Police are investigating the apparent murder of a missing Frederick County man whose body was found this afternoon in the trunk of his car parked in a Montgomery County lot.
The victim is identified as John P. Ryan, 37, of Frederick, Md. He was pronounced dead at the scene. His body will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy to determine cause and manner of death.
Ryan’s car was found by a US Department of Homeland Security investigations agent assigned to the Frederick County Narcotics Task Force shortly before 2:30 p.m. today. Investigators were searching for Ryan’s black 2007 Lexus LS460L and found it parked in a parking lot used by multiple businesses in the 15000-block of Somerville Drive in Derwood, Md.
The car was removed from the lot and transported by truck under police escort back to the Maryland State Police Rockville Barrack. State Police investigators obtained a search warrant to search the car.
Police found Ryan’s body in the trunk. Investigators observed what appeared to be trauma to the body, which will not be detailed further at this time due to the continuing investigation. Police also found a quantity of suspected marijuana and cash in the trunk.
Ryan’s wife reported him missing to the Frederick Police Department on November 29, 2012. She said she last saw him at their home on the night of November 27th and that he had left the house before she awoke on November 28th.
Frederick Police requested Maryland State Police assistance in the missing person investigation. Maryland State Police enlisted the assistance of the Frederick County Narcotics Task Force in the search for Ryan. The task force includes investigators from the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police, FBI, and the US Department of Homeland Security. Montgomery County Police also assisted with the search for Ryan and have continued to assist with the ongoing investigation.
Police investigators had been searching for Ryan since his wife reported him missing. They conducted numerous interviews with family members, friends, and associates, of Ryan.
Ryan was a businessman who specialized in property maintenance. He traveled for business throughout the region of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia.
No arrests have been made. A motive is unknown at this time. The investigation is continuing.
Anyone with information about the disappearance and death of Ryan is urged to contact Maryland State Police Corporal Jonathan Martin or Sergeant Richard Bachtell at 301-644-4151. Callers may remain anonymous.
Md. State Police