Ala. teen charged with capital murder for allegedly killing 3 at Hispanic grocery store

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (TCD) -- An 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of capital murder almost a month after three people, including a father and son, were fatally shot during a suspected robbery at a Hispanic grocery store.

WFSA-TV reports Jarques Butler was taken into custody Tuesday, July 2, on two counts of capital murder, though a warrant for the third is expected to be signed, in connection with the deaths of Daniel Lopez, 20; his father, Romero Lopez, 40; and family friend George Elijah Jr., 50, at Tienda Los Hermanos.

Romero Lopez’s sister reportedly owns Tienda Los Hermanos.

According to a news release, on June 4 at approximately 9 p.m., Montgomery Police Department officers and paramedics responded to a shooting call at a small grocery store on Troy Highway and found the three victims with life-threatening gunshot wounds. Elijah and Daniel Lopez were declared dead at the scene. Romero Lopez was taken to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Central Alabama Crime Stoppers announced there was a $40,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the suspect.

Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed said in a press conference following the shooting that it was a "terrible situation" and is "something that cannot be excused, nor should it be."

Reed said similar businesses have been robbed because thieves believe they are an "easy hit" due to more cash being on hand rather than in a bank account or credit union.

According to WFSA, Tienda Los Hermanos was robbed twice on June 30. Some of the money stolen reportedly came from a donation box for the father and son who were killed.

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