Man convicted in fatal Wheaton slashing

A 21-year-old man has been convicted of murder and other charges in a July 2009 slaying in Wheaton, officials said.

Jose Vasquez, who is scheduled to be sentenced April 19 in Montgomery County Circuit Court, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Police have said the victim, Edwin Umana, 21, who lived along Bluhill Road in Wheaton, was walking near his home in the 13100 block of Matey Road and”called out to several women who were on the front porch of a residence,” police said. A man came out of the residence and told Umana to leave the women alone. Then more men came outside. Vasquez was among the group.

Authorities said the argument escalated and several young men, including Vasquez, chased Umana down the street, Vasquez caught Umana and stabbed him in the head, authorities said. The group then kicked and stomped Umana as he lay on the ground.
Six men were indicted in connection with the killing. One, Christian Salmeron, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. The others are awaiting trial.

— Maria Glod