This is an update to a story originally published in August.
Over the last several weeks the Anne Arundel County Homicide Unit has been working on getting the recovered remains from Quiet Waters Park positively identified. In expediting Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing the remains were identified as Jose Hernandez-Portillo, a twenty-two year old male from the Annapolis area. The Anne Arundel County Police had been investigating his disappearance since March 11, 2016 when he was initially reported missing.
Since the discovery of the remains homicide detectives have been working with the OCME and States Attorney’s Office in regards to the trauma received by Mr. Hernandez-Portillo and the ruling of homicide. Evidence leads homicide detectives to believe that he was murdered around the time of his disappearance. Homicide detectives are confident that this was a targeted crime and not a random act of violence.
This is a very fluid and active investigation where the Anne Arundel County Police is urging anyone with information to come forward by calling the Anne Arundel County Homicide Unit at 410-222-4731. If people with information wish to remain anonymous they can also contact the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line 410-222-4700 or Metro Crime Stoppers.
- AACoPD