PGPD Arrests Suspect for the Murder of His Roommate

Ricardo Cortez O’Neal

The Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit arrested a man in connection with the murder of his roommate in February. The suspect is 33-year-old Ricardo Cortez O’Neal of Washington, DC. He’s charged with the murder of 49-year-old Jamil Offutt of Capitol Heights.

On February 13, 2025, Landover District III officers responded to the 6900 block of Valley Park Road in unincorporated Capitol Heights for a physical dispute between tenants. Upon arrival, they found the victim in the basement unconscious and suffering from trauma. Offutt was transported to a hospital where he died on February 22, 2025.

The Homicide Unit was notified and assumed the investigation into his death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner concluded Offutt's death resulted from blunt force trauma and ultimately ruled it a homicide. Detectives arrested the suspect on July 29, 2025.

He is charged with second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and additional charges and is in the custody of the Department of Corrections on a no-bond status.  

If anyone has information relevant to this investigation and would like to speak to a Homicide Unit detective, they are asked to please call 301-516-2512.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Solvers online at www.pgcrimesolvers.com, the “P3 Tips” mobile app (search “P3 Tips” in the Apple Store or Google Play to download the app onto your mobile device), or call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477). You can remain anonymous. Please refer to case number 25-0007852.

If you would prefer to translate this release into another language, please find the translation window on the right side of this webpage. Please select your preferred language from the available list.