Police say the victim’s daughter and her girlfriend remain at large.
SILVER SPRING, Md. — Montgomery County police are searching for two women charged with first-degree murder after a 67-year-old mother was found dead May 26 inside a senior living community in Silver Spring.
The case centers on Hilde Henderson, who was found inside an apartment at The Charter House on Fenwick Lane. Police identified the suspects as Henderson’s daughter, 29-year-old Vanessa Tjongarero-Henderson of Clarksburg, and Tjongarero-Henderson’s girlfriend, 36-year-old Samantha Raebel of Phoenix.
Officers went to the senior community about 11 a.m. May 26 for a welfare check. When they entered Henderson’s apartment, they found her dead. Police have not released the exact cause of death, but the medical examiner ruled the case a homicide after an autopsy.
Detectives later obtained arrest warrants for Tjongarero-Henderson and Raebel. Both women are charged with first-degree murder and remained at large Thursday night. Police said the women have avoided law enforcement as investigators continue searching for them.
Neighbors at the senior community described Henderson as kind and pleasant. Some residents said the killing shook a building where many older adults expected quiet and safety. One resident said there had been past arguments involving Henderson and her daughter, while another said the accusation was hard to understand because of the family tie.
The investigation remains open. Police have not said when they believe Henderson died, what evidence led detectives to the two suspects or whether either woman has an attorney. The next major step is the arrest of both suspects and their first court appearances in Montgomery County.
Author note: Last updated June 5, 2026.