Howard County Police are actively searching for 24-year-old Darwin Carcamo-Santiago, who is wanted on first- and second-degree murder charges. The suspect is believed to be connected to the death of his girlfriend, 35-year-old Esmeralda Perez-Mendez of Takoma Park. Police responded to a residence in the 9000 block of Watchlight Court in Columbia on Sunday afternoon after an acquaintance of Carcamo-Santiago discovered Perez-Mendez deceased in the suspect’s bedroom. Investigators state that the victim sustained injuries consistent with strangulation and believe the homicide may have occurred during the overnight hours between July 25 and July 26, 2026. Detectives suspect that Carcamo-Santiago may have fled the area following the incident. The Howard County Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding the suspect’s whereabouts to come forward. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are seeking public assistance to locate Carcamo-Santiago and bring him into custody. Residents and community members are asked to contact Howard County police with any tips or relevant information that could aid in the apprehension of the suspect. This case remains an active priority for law enforcement as they continue to gather evidence and identify the suspect's current location.