Montgomery County police say they are investigating the possibility that a District middle school teacher’s gay lifestyle might have played a role in his shooting death.
Brian Betts was found fatally shot in his Silver Spring home on April 15. Earlier this week police sketched a timeline of the Shaw Middle School principal’s slaying, but have released few details on the investigation.
On Wednesday, police spokeswoman Officer Melanie Brenner said that detectives are aware that Betts was gay and that they were “looking into the possibility that his lifestyle may have played a role in his murder.”
Police have said they believe Betts may have known his killer and invited the suspect inside. A co-worker who went to check on Betts on April 15 when the principal didn’t show up for school found the door to Betts’ house open and a light on. The co-worker left the house and called the police. Authorities found Betts in his bedroom fully clothed and shot to death.
Police said Betts was seen grilling alone outside his house on April 14, and he made a phone call around 11:30 that night. It was the last anyone heard from him.
Betts’ Nissan Xterra was missing when police searched his house. The sport utility vehicle was found two days later about 14 miles away in Southeast Washington.
Police said two men were seen abandoning the vehicle sometime between noon and 3 p.m. on April 16. Investigators have scoured both the SUV and the house, searching for leads.
“We are examining all aspects of his life,” said Capt. Paul Starks. “We’re closer than we were last week. Establishing the timeline helped narrow the field.”
Betts was a well-respected teacher and administrator, and more than 1,000 well-wishers have posted comments on a Facebook tribute page. Montgomery County Crime Solvers offered a $1,000 reward Wednesday for any information that leads to the arrest or indictment of his killer. Anyone with information should call 1-866-411-TIPS (8477).
A private funeral for Betts is being held Thursday in Manassas. A public memorial service has been scheduled for 11 a.m. on May 1 at the Cardozo Senior High School auditorium.
