Police seek witnesses in deadly beating of Md. man

Montgomery County police are trying to solve a homicide that has gone cold because none of the witnesses will come forward.

Bradley Colmes, 60, was severely assaulted outside his home in Montgomery Village last month and later died. Police said more than 20 people witnessed the brutal beating.

Authorities canvassed the community Tuesday to ask for tips to find the person who murdered Colmes.

"To be honest, we're surprised with that many witnesses that we know of that no one has come forward," said Capt. Darren Francke of the Montgomery County Police Major Crimes Division.

Colmes was able to get back to his Ridgeline Drive home after the June 12 assault. His partner, Bobby Williams, heard him bang on the door.

"He couldn't talk that much because he was bleeding a whole lot. And he was sitting on the step and I had called the ambulance," said Williams.

Colmes and Williams have been partners for 22 years. Police do not know the motive, so they cannot say if this was a hate crime.

Colmes was in the hospital for five days before dying from a blood clot from the beating. Investigators were able to talk to him before he died, but it was difficult because of his shattered jaw.

"We believe some of the witnesses are younger. They may not know of how to go about providing information anonymously. They may be feeling peer pressure. They may simply just not want to be involved, but the important thing and the message to the community is you have to be involved," said Capt. Francke.

Colmes' elderly father was present for Tuesday's community effort. So was his sister.

"We do forgive them, but we also want to see justice served. So if there's anyone out there who has any information, please come forward," said Iris Colmes.

Police ask that if you have any information on this murder to contact them either by calling or giving the information anonymously through Crime Solvers.

There is a reward of up to $10,000 for a tip that leads to an arrest in the case.