6th Arrest Made In Jenni Lopez Gang-Related Homicide: Police

ANNAPOLIS, MD — A sixth murder suspect is now in custody in the death of an Annapolis woman who went missing on June 24, according to the Anne Arundel County Police Department, in what investigators are calling a gang-related homicide. Suspect Milton Alejandro Portillo Rodriguez, 22, from Bricin Court in Annapolis, was arrested Nov. 4 by the U.S. Marshals Service in Avery County, North Carolina.

Milton Rodriguez is charged with first-degree murder and related charges in the murder of Jenni B. Rivera Lopez, 21, who went missing on June 24. He remains incarcerated in North Carolina as he awaits extradition back to Anne Arundel County, police said in a news release.

Brenda Argueta, 18, of Silver Spring, Ervin Arrue Figuero of Annapolis, Darvin Guerra-Zacarias, 25, of Silver Spring, Ronald Mendez-Sosa, 19, of Edgewater and Francisco Ramirez-Pena, 22, of an unknown town, were all charged in October in the murder of Lopez.

The Baltimore Sun reported that Lopez was found buried in a secret grave in Crownsville in August. Lopez was found buried in the area of Camp Barrett, a youth camp near Annapolis, according to the Sun.

Investigators say the murder of Lopez was a targeted gang incident and not a random act of violence.

Anne Arundel County Police Chief Timothy Altomare made it clear in a press conference on Oct. 6 that they are working to mitigate gang-related activity.

"Every level of government is working around the clock nonstop to lessen the dangers to the citizens of Anne Arundel County," he said.

He also urged any resident who feels in danger from a gang to contact the police department. "I'm begging you to come talk to us," he said. "Your lives matter to us. It's our job to keep you safe."

Argueta, Guerra-Zacarias, Mendez-Sosa and Ramirez-Pena were all charged with first-degree murder, second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit second-degree murder. Figuero was charged with first- and second degree murder.

"We won't desert you and we'll be there for you. That's my word as your chief of police," Altomare said, reading out the following phone numbers for people who feel in danger of gang violence. He urged them to call 410-222-4731 if they know of any rumors or the gang tip line at 410-222-4700. Tips can also be called in to Metro Crime Stoppers at 1-866-7LOCKUP.

Patch file photo