The man killed early Monday in a Gaithersburg apartment complex along Whetstone Drive suffered a fatal stab wound, Montgomery County police said Tuesday afternoon.

Police said 45-year-old Cesar Smith, of Gaithersburg, was found with blunt force trauma on his body and the stab wound. The stabbing was ruled the cause of death.

Police were originally dispatched to the scene for the sound of gunshots at 12:06 a.m. Monday. Upon arrival, Smith was found dead.

Police are investigating Smith's death as a homicide and said they believe that the victim may have had some association with his killer. 

Additional Coverage

• 45-Year-Old Gaithersburg Man Dead In Overnight Home Invasion (Dec. 3, 2012)