On July 29, 2020 at approximately 8:23 a.m. Patrol Officers from the Frederick Police Department conducted checks on foot in the wooded area between 66 Waverley Drive and 90 Waverley Drive. This area behind the old Frederick Towne Mall has had issues with drug and alcohol abuse as well as vagrants living in the woods. During this check of the area OFC. Fernholz located a deceased female.
The initial investigation proved obvious this was a homicide due to the wounds on the victim and the condition of the crime scene. However, identification could not be made immediately and Detectives waited for several days for the identity of the victim to be confirmed as Kelly Nicole Serra, 37.
Through a long and thorough investigation, Det. Wolfe and Det. McPeak identified the suspect as Santos M. Turcios Benitez, 45. Turcios Benitez is currently in custody in the state of New York and awaiting extradition back to Frederick, where he faces charges of first-degree murder.
Even though an arrest has been made, this investigation is ongoing, and Detectives continue to ask for the public’s assistance. Anyone with information or who may have home surveillance in the area is encouraged to contact the Frederick Police Department’s non-emergency line at 301-600-2100. You can also utilize the anonymous voicemail at 301-600-TIPS (8477), the text tip line at 240-674-TIPS (8477), or the email tip line at fpdcrimetip@FrederickMDPolice.org
Date: April 14, 2021
Case#: 2020-012936
Incident Type: Homicide
Public Information Contact: Lt. Andrew Alcorn - 240-674-2612 or PIO Allen Etzler - 240-549-4380
Author of release: Lt. Andrew Alcorn
Lead Investigator: Det. Wolfe - kwolfe@frederickmdpolice.org