Kensington man who fatally shot friend found guilty of second-degree murder

Elia Griffin , Bethesda Today
August 24, 2026 | 6:35 PM

This article was written by WTOP’s news partner Bethesda Today and republished with permission. Sign up for Bethesda Today’s free email subscription today.

A 23-year-old Kensington man who fatally shot and killed his friend with an AR-15 rifle after an argument in January 2025 was convicted Thursday of second-degree depraved heart murder and firearm-related charges, the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office said Monday in a statement.

Benjamin Dresbach, of Kensington, faces up to 65 years in prison in connection with the death of Trevor Van Devander, 29, of Sykesville, Maryland, when he is sentenced in December, according to the state’s attorney’s office.

Owner of Md. home that exploded cut propane line accidentally, investigators say

By Thomas Robertson
August 24, 2026 | 4:19 PM

The owner of the Cape St. Claire, Maryland, home where an explosion occurred last week accidentally cut a propane line while working on the HVAC system, investigators announced Monday. The explosion Wednesday afternoon left one woman dead and the homeowner, a man, in what investigators Monday called "serious condition" in the hospital. Cutting the line caused propane gas to leak and accumulate inside the home without the homeowner realizing it. Family members told investigators he has a diminished sense of smell, which may have affected his ability to detect the odor of the leaking propane. While continuing to work, the homeowner started using a metal grinder, which ignited the propane, causing the explosion, investigators determined.

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