The Medical Examiner ruled Oct. 3 that Potomac resident Carolyn Mattingly’s death was a homicide, caused by a gunshot wound.
Montgomery County Police responded to a call about vandalism at 1:13 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 30, at a residence in the 12000 block of Great Elm Drive. Officers spoke with Mattingly, 57, who explained that she had discovered slashed tires on her vehicle. Mattingly also explained that her husband, identified as C. Richard Mattingly, was at work. Officers documented the vandalism to the vehicle and then left the scene.
At approximately 2:33 p.m. that same day, police received a call for a single-car colliding with a tree on Piney Meetinghouse Road at River Road. The driver, identified as Andrew Racca, 42, of Chevy Chase, was pronounced dead at the scene. According to police, a handgun was located in his vehicle. The Medical Examiner confirmed Racca’s death as a suicide.
At approximately 2:34 p.m., a call was received for a residential fire on Great Elm Drive. Responding Fire and Rescue personnel and 1st District officers found a small fire and Mattingly’s body inside the garage.
Ballistic testing to determine if the same gun was used in the homicide and suicide has not been completed at this time. It is unknown whether Racca committed suicide before or after his vehicle collided with the tree.
Police investigation revealed that Racca and Richard Mattingly worked together at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Bethesda. Detectives believe that issues arose between Richard Mattingly and Racca at work regarding allegations that Racca was involved in workplace theft. On Monday, management had informed Racca that the foundation would have to report the possible theft to police. On Tuesday, Racca did not come to work.
Police noted there is no known relationship between Racca and the victim, Carolyn Mattingly.