In a tragic twist of fate, Ascenzio ‘Slanz’ Bilello, a 53-year-old crane operator, was shot and killed while driving home in rural Maryland on August 21, 2023. What initially appeared to be a simple car accident has morphed into an unsolved homicide that continues to haunt his family and the close-knit community of Oakland. Nearly three years later, his loved ones are still searching for answers, fuelled by a relentless desire for justice.
A Night Like Any Other
That fateful evening, Bilello was making the familiar drive back to his wife, Julia, after a long day’s work in West Virginia. The picturesque route was one he had traversed countless times before, weaving through the serene landscape of Garrett County. However, the journey took a devastating turn when his white Ford Explorer veered across the centre line, crashed into an embankment, and ultimately collided with a tree at the bottom of a ravine.
Initially, authorities were led to believe it was a tragic accident. But as investigators delved into the details, a more sinister truth emerged. Bilello had suffered a gunshot wound to the head, a shocking revelation that shattered any lingering hopes of a simple misfortune. His sister, Elena Bilello, recalled the harrowing moment she learned the news: “I was in disbelief. How could this happen to him, driving home on a quiet road?”
The Investigation That Stalled
The Garrett County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly to the scene, alerted by a local resident who had heard the crash. Upon arrival, deputies discovered evidence that suggested foul play: a bullet hole in the passenger-side window and a bullet lodged in Bilello’s skull. The investigation quickly transitioned from an accident report to a homicide inquiry, yet nearly three years later, no one has been charged.
In a community of approximately 1,800 residents, where gun violence is an alien concept, the absence of progress in the case has left many bewildered. “This isn’t inner-city Baltimore,” Elena emphasised, highlighting the stark contrast between Oakland’s tranquil atmosphere and the gravity of her brother’s death. “It’s a small town where everyone knows everyone. How can someone just get away with this?”
Frustration has mounted as Elena claims the sheriff’s office has shown little urgency in solving the case. She expressed disbelief at the lack of reconstruction of the crash scene and a perceived indifference towards her brother’s murder. “I can’t fathom how such a significant investigation could fade into obscurity,” she stated. “It feels like nobody cares.”
The Quest for Justice
Despite her disillusionment, Elena has taken it upon herself to keep her brother’s memory alive. She has launched a campaign for information, posting flyers along Cranesville Road, which have repeatedly been torn down, suggesting a community unwilling to confront the truth. “Somebody in that town knows something,” she urged. “They need to step forward.”
The sheriff’s office did issue a public appeal for information shortly after Bilello’s death, yet Elena has seen little follow-through since. She remains hopeful that the Maryland State Police, called in late last year to review the case, may provide the necessary resources that have been lacking. “We need a department that can take this seriously and actually solve it,” she said, clinging to the hope that justice will eventually prevail.
A Family’s Heartbreak
The repercussions of Bilello’s death have rippled through his family, altering their lives irreparably. Julia, unable to remain in the home they built together, has sold their dream house, a poignant reminder of what they once shared. Their children continue to mark milestones without their father, an absence felt especially keenly during significant life events, such as weddings and graduations.
Elena’s fight for justice is not just about seeking answers; it’s also about challenging the notion that gun violence is solely an urban issue. “This could happen to anyone, anywhere,” she asserted. “The reality is that you can be driving down a rural road, and in a split second, your life can change forever.”
Why it Matters
The unresolved case of Ascenzio ‘Slanz’ Bilello underscores the urgent need for public awareness and community engagement in the fight against gun violence. It serves as a stark reminder that violence can invade even the most peaceful enclaves, and the quest for justice must not be underestimated. For the families left grappling with loss, every unanswered question is a wound that continues to fester, calling for a collective effort to ensure that such tragedies do not fade into silence. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office, potentially bringing a sense of closure to a bereaved family and a community in turmoil.
