New York, NY — A 47-year-old mother of four was found fatally stabbed inside the hallway of her Harlem apartment building early Monday morning, and police say a 41-year-old man has now been charged with her murder.
According to the NYPD, Carmen Lopez was discovered with multiple stab wounds to her torso at around 4:25 a.m. on November 10 inside her building at 409 West 129th Street. She was rushed to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Suspect Arrested and Charged
On Tuesday, November 11, police arrested Luis Marquez, 41, and charged him with murder in connection with Lopez’s death. Authorities have not yet released details regarding a possible motive, but investigators believe Lopez knew her attacker, according to PEOPLE.
“She was a great mother and a great human being. She loved our family, and she loved life,” Lopez’s sister, Lucy Lopez, told the New York Daily News. “We don’t know how to start over.”
Police sources told CBS News and NBC New York that Lopez was attacked shortly after stepping off the elevator in her building hallway.
Suspect Believed to Be Ex-Boyfriend
Investigators told PIX11 News that Marquez is believed to be Lopez’s ex-boyfriend. He reportedly showed up at a Bronx hospital later that morning with cuts on his hands and clothing stained with blood that matched the scene.
A building porter said he heard a chilling plea from Lopez moments before the attack ended.
“I heard her yelling, ‘Stop, Luis,’ and then she just collapsed,” the porter told local reporters.
Another neighbor recalled the horrifying aftermath.
“There was blood all over the place,” the witness told CBS News. “It was heartbreaking to see.”
A Community in Mourning
Lopez had lived in the Harlem apartment building for several years, neighbors said. After her death, residents placed candles and flowers outside the building entrance in her memory. A local anti-violence group also visited the scene to offer counseling and support to grieving residents.
Neighbors described Lopez as a devoted mother and kind neighbor who was deeply loved in the community.
“She was always smiling, always helping others,” one resident told NBC New York. “This is just devastating for everyone who knew her.”
Ongoing Investigation
Police continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the killing. Investigators are working to confirm the relationship history between Lopez and Marquez and whether there were prior reports of domestic conflict.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers line at 1-800-577-TIPS.
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