In a quiet New Market, Maryland community, a heart-wrenching story unfolded in November 2013, forever altering the lives of a young family. Samuel Asefa, an infant male, was found deceased in his home alongside his parents, 40-year-old Benyam 'Ben' Asefa and 42-year-old Barbara Giomarelli. The tragic event, which took place on November 20, 2013, was determined by the Frederick County Sheriff's Office to be a double murder-suicide.
The devastating discovery was made after the couple's 5-year-old daughter walked to a neighbor's house and reported that her family was hurt. When deputies arrived at the Woods Court home in the Lake Linganore development, they found the bodies of Benyam Asefa, Barbara Giomarelli, and their 3-month-old son, Samuel. All three had suffered fatal gunshot wounds. A handgun was recovered at the scene.
Subsequent investigation by the sheriff's office concluded that Benyam Asefa was the perpetrator. Investigators believe that following an argument, Benyam Asefa shot his wife while she was holding their infant son. The same bullet that struck and killed Giomarelli also fatally wounded baby Samuel. After killing his wife and son, Benyam Asefa then turned the gun on himself.
The couple's daughter, who was in the home at the time of the incident, was physically unharmed and was placed in the care of Child Protective Services. Family members revealed to investigators that there had been a history of abuse against Giomarelli, though it was unclear if it was physical or verbal. Friends of the family also indicated that there was friction in the relationship, and that Benyam Asefa had recently lost his job and had been drinking. Both Benyam Asefa and Barbara Giomarelli were accomplished scientists. He had been working as a clinical immunologist, and she was a researcher.
