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Rockville resident Jonathan Mohelski, 39, will face a decade in prison in connection to the death of Brandon Sutherland in November 2021 following multiple trials, according to the Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office.
Mohelski was convicted following a 10-day trial after the jury wound up unable to reach a consensus in December 2023.
Prosecutors say that Sutherland was staying at Mohelski's home in the 13000 block of Turkey Branch Parkway in Rockville when the latter made a 911 call stating that his guest "fell on something sharp in the bathroom" and "he might be dead on the floor."
During the 911 call, Mohelski also stated that "I'm never going to forgive myself."
Sutherland was found by first responders with a stab wound to his chest, and despite life-saving efforts by police, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
A knife used in the stabbing was later found cleaned off, and re-sheathed in Mohelski's bedroom closet.
"It appears that a struggle took place in Mohelski's bedroom, as the folding closet door was caved in, and the mattress was hanging off the bed," court documents state. "A knife with suspected blood was found on the floor just outside the closet area."
The blade was later tested for DNA, and Sutherland's blood was found to be present on the knife.
"We thank our prosecutors who remained dedicated to seeking a conviction following this senseless loss of life," Montgomery County State's Attorney John McCarthy stated. "We continue to express our deepest condolences to the family of Brandon Sutherland. The State will seek the maximum penalty at the sentencing hearing."
Mohelski faces up to 10 years in prison. No sentencing date has been scheduled.
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