Suspect Arrested in Case of Body Parts Found Stuffed in Bags

The slain Laurel man whose body and body parts were found stuffed in two bags was killed by his two roommates, say Prince George’s County Police.

Authorities arrested Santos Leonel Mejia-Yanes, 32, of Finsbury Court in Laurel Wednesday in the murder of Jacinto Perez, 28. Detectives have also obtained an arrest warrant for a second suspect, Bayron Cruz-Vargas, 34, also of Finsbury Court.

Perez was killed Sunday and his remains were found in the 8800 block of Enfield Court. Police returned to the apartment complex Monday to talk to residents as they searched for a suspect in the grisly murder.

The suspects and victim were roommates. Investigators believe the three men argued inside their apartment, the dispute turned violent and ultimately escalated to the murder of Perez.

Mejia-Yanes reportedly admitted his involvement in the crime and is charged with first- and second-degree murder. He is being held without bond.

An arrest warrant for Cruz-Vargas charges him with first-degree murder, as well as first-degree assault and other charges.

Anyone with information about Perez’s death is asked to call the Prince George’s County Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 301-772-4925.

Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call CRIME SOLVERS at 1-866-411-TIPS (8477), text “PGPD plus your message” to CRIMES (274637) on your cell phone or go to www.pgcrimesolvers.com and submit a tip online.

»Prince George’s County homicide detectives say a $25,000 reward has been offered for information in the death of Jacinto Perez, left. Authorities have arrested Santos Leonel Mejia-Yanes, center, for murder and obtained an arrest warrant for Bayron Cruz-Vargas, right, who is also wanted for murder. Credit: Police department