WASHINGTON - Metropolitan Police have arrested a suspect in the murder of a beloved liquor store owner.

Rufina Hernandez, 51, was shot and killed at her Northwest D.C. store La Casa De Morata earlier this month even though she gave up money during a robbery at her store. 

Just 12 days after the ruthless crime, in front of Rufina Hernandez' popular hang out, police said 45-year-old  Andres Lopez was arrested without incident in the vicinity of 4th and Kennedy Streets Thursday afternoon. He has been charged with Felony Murder while Armed.
 
Police announced Thursday night they believe he is one of two men who allegedly robbed and killed Hernandez, and he's no stranger to this community.

"Well, we certainly know that the person arrested spent a lot of time in this area," stated Metropolitan Police Chief Cathy Lanier (web | news | bio) .

Police also say Lopez has an extensive criminal history.

Police are also keeping a close eye on an apartment building on Longfellow Road just blocks from the liquor store and just feet from where Lopez was arrested Thursday afternoon.

"There is a second suspect in this case. We are currently very diligently working on a person of interest," stated Lanier. Police are asking people to come forward with information for a second arrest.

The makeshift memorial in Hernandez's memory covers the front of the store, which is still closed. She was a widow and friends say her two children, a son and daughter, now live with the loss of both parents.

The D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty says he hopes Thursday's arrest can bring the Hernandez family some closure.

 

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