Thread: TX - Second Suspect Charged in Palmview Murder Investigation

Posted: Jan 22, 2016 2:41 PM PST
Updated: Jan 22, 2016 2:41 PM PST

PALMVIEW – A second suspect, involved in a woman's death outside her Palmview home, went before a judge on Friday.

Cristobal Cachin, 27, was charged with capital murder. His bond was set at $1 million.

Eduardo Castro Lopez, 17, was already charged in the murder of 52-year-old Elvira Vital Martinez.

The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department confirmed there is an ICE detainer on Lopez. It’s unclear how long he’s been in the U.S.

Investigators said Martinez was stabbed and beaten to death. Vital Martinez’s body was found by friends from her church.

Lopez told authorities he stole $90 from the woman’s home after stabbing her.

http://www.krgv.com/story/31035548/s...-investigation

BY PATRICK CHALVIRE, KGBT TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15TH 2015

HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas (KGBT) - Hidalgo County Justice of the Peace Marcos Ochoa set bond at $2 million on Tuesday for a 17-year-old Mexican man charged with capital murder.

Jailers booked Eduardo Castro Lopez, 17, of Mission, on Monday, according to Hidalgo County jail records. Lopez is a Mexican citizen.

Investigators believe Lopez killed 52-year-old Elvira Vital Martinez, said Sheriff Eddie Guerra.

Patrick Chalvire @PatrickKGBT
Officials say Lopez stole less than $100 from Martinez. She was well loved in the community. @kgbt
1:42 PM - 15 Dec 2015

"She had multiple stab wounds and injuries indicating that she was brutally and violently assaulted," Guerra said.

Investigators found Martinez dead at approximately 12:50 p.m. Sunday near the 600 block of South Abram Road in rural Palmview, according to a news release from the sheriff's office.

Guerra said Lopez confessed to stabbing and beating Martinez before taking her money. Lopez took less than $100 from Martinez.

"The attack that happened was really hard to imagine," said Javier Hernandez, who lives in the normally quiet neighborhood.

Investigators charged Lopez with capital murder. If convicted, he faces life in prison or the death penalty.

http://valleycentral.com/news/local/...-less-than-100