MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD (WJLA/CNN) - The family of a murder victim celebrated what would have been his 31 birthday, hopeful they will see justice.
Police pinned a suspect in the case from fingerprints they found on a fast food bag.
“It's wonderful it's closed out,” said Jim Doyle, a neighbor.
Many are grateful that murder suspect Quinnton Eric Brown is now off the streets.
Brown is accused of killing 30-year-old Maurice Mercer in his home on Cross Ridge Way back in January.
Doyle said he frequently interacted with Mercer.
“I was pretty broken up and sad,” he said. “He was a very friendly guy and very loving family and to hear that is just devastating. The whole neighborhood was devastated.”
Police said Brown left a major clue at the crime scene which helped to secure the warrant for his arrest.
On the bottom of a McDonald's paper bag with two large holes they found his fingerprint.
"I'm glad they did," said Doyle.
This week Mercer's family created this makeshift memorial to celebrate his birthday.
“They went to the Gate of Heaven cemetery and it was his birthday, they all got together and celebrated his birthday, then they came here,” Doyle said. “You could tell he was really loved.”
Brown had only been released from prison in November.
Now he's back behind bars and is being held without bond.
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