GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — A murder suspect allegedly used a TV cable to choke a victim unconscious and then stab him to death, Gwinnett Police said Thursday morning.
The killing occurred early Wednesday at a location on Ivy Birch Way outside Buford. On Thursday the Gwinnett County Police Department released the suspect's identity as 19-year-old Erik Ruiz Lopez.
Ruiz Lopez is charged with aggravated assault, felony murder and malice murder in the killing. The victim has not been identified as next of kin has not yet been notified, the police department said.
Police initially said Wednesday morning that officers had responded to a call from a woman saying she heard loud noises and "someone grunting for help." Officers arrived on scene and located an "adult male deceased" and detained the suspect, noting he "looked as though he had been in a physical altercation" as officers arrived.
On Thursday police said Ruiz Lopez and the victim shared a bedroom at the home and that this is where the altercation occurred.
It "resulted in Ruiz Lopez choking the victim unconscious with a television cable," GCPD said, and the suspect then "left the room, then returned with a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times."
"If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770.513.5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404.577.TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case," GCPD said.
News happens fast. Stream it faster with our re-designed 11Alive+ app.
Watch newscasts, breaking news streams and get the latest sports, weather and VERIFY content -- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Text "plus" to 404-885-7600 to download 11Alive+ and stream now.
