Camilla Jessen
Neighbors say the victim was a devoted mother and that she may have known her attacker
A 47-year-old mother of four was found fatally stabbed in the hallway of her Harlem apartment building early Monday morning, and police arrested a man the next day on murder charges.
Carmen Lopez was discovered with multiple stab wounds at about 4:25 a.m. on November 10 at 409 West 129th Street, the NYPD said. She was taken to Mount Sinai Morningside and pronounced dead.
Authorities charged 41-year-old Luis Marquez with murder on Tuesday.
Police have not released a motive.
Neighbors told local news outlets that Lopez had lived in the building for several years and was well liked by residents.
One neighbor said Lopez had just stepped off the elevator when the attack happened.
Another witness told reporters they heard Lopez cry out, “Stop, Luis,” before she collapsed. A building porter said there was blood in the hallway.
Police sources told media that investigators believe Lopez knew her attacker.
Sources also said a man who matched the suspect was later seen at a Bronx hospital with cuts to his hands and wearing clothing that matched the scene. He was taken into custody, according to PIX11.
Community reels and seeks answers
Grieving neighbors placed candles outside the building and an anti violence group visited to offer support.
Lopez’s sister, Lucy, told the New York Daily News that her sister was a loving parent and that the family is heartbroken.
“We don’t know how to start over,” she said.
The NYPD asked anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. Detectives are asking for any video or witness accounts that may help determine what led to the attack.
This article is made and published by Camilla Jessen, who may have used AI in the preparation
