Police arrest teen accused of killing Monroe man for looking at him wrong

MONROE, N.C. — Police in Monroe have arrested a 15-year-old accused of killing a man over the way he looked at him.

It happened Saturday around 9:40 p.m. on Walkup Avenue, which is between Highway 74 and the Monroe Bypass.

Luiz Lopez-Garcia, 24, walked out of the Beni-Mart that day, police said. The teen suspect didn’t like the way Lopez-Garcia, who was in a car, looked at him and shot him for it, police said.

The two didn’t know each other.

Channel 9′s Genevieve Curtis learned Wednesday that police had taken the teen into custody. Police are seeking a charge of first degree murder, among other charges.

“We are grateful for the unwavering dedication and relentless efforts of our Monroe Police officers who were able to apprehend the suspect in this senseless crime,” said Monroe Police Chief J. Bryan Gilliard in a statement. “Justice will prevail as we work diligently to bring closure to the victim’s grieving family and our community. They are in our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.”

‘Absolutely senseless’

Detectives with the Monroe Police Department spoke with witnesses and looked through camera footage.

“Absolutely senseless,” said Capt. Steve Morton on Monday. “It was for no reason.”

Police had been looking for the teen suspect since Saturday.

“As far as we know, he does still have that weapon. And if he can shoot someone just for looking at him wrong, who’s to say somebody crosses his path again what could happen,” Morton said. “So we are definitely looking for him.”

Due to the suspect’s age, police took out a secured custody order through the North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. His identity will not be released.

Police said they believe the shooting was isolated and there’s no threat to the public.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family as they deal with this tragic loss,” Chief Gilliard said in an earlier statement. “We will not tolerate senseless acts of violence like this in our community, and our officers will not rest until the perpetrator has been brought to justice.”

Monroe police asked anyone with information to call them at 704-282-4700.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: Absolutely senseless’: Teen shot, killed man for looking at him wrong, police say)

‘Absolutely senseless’: Teen shot, killed man for looking at him wrong, police say

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