TRAPPE – Maryland State Police are looking for a man who is suspected of murdering a woman in Talbot County, a statement said on Dec. 30.

A felony warrant for first-degree murder has been issued for Mauricio Ibarra Juarez, 31, of Winchester, Virginia. Juarez is suspected in the fatal shooting on Christmas Eve of Marta Merina, 33, of Trappe.

Merina was found with an apparent gunshot wound early Christmas morning. Emergency medical service personnel pronounced her deceased on the scene. Her death has been ruled a homicide.

Shortly after 6:15 a.m. on Dec. 25, police responded to the 2900 block of Howell Point Road in Trappe for an apparent shooting. Upon their arrival, police found Merina outside of her home suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

State troopers from the Easton Barrack, along with deputies from the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the scene. The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit, with the assistance of the Talbot County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, are investigating the incident.

Investigators believe Juarez knew Merina prior to the shooting. Juarez may be traveling in a white GMC Sierra truck. “Do not approach him, as he should be considered armed and dangerous,” the statement said.

Anyone who witnessed this shooting or who may have information about Juarez’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Maryland State Police at the Easton Barrack at 410-822-3101. Calls may remain confidential.