2014 Homicide Defendant Found Guilty of Murdering His Ex-Girlfriend

By Sadie Herman [former] - November 15, 2023
Daily Stories | Featured | Homicides | Shooting | Suspects | Victims |

On Nov.14, the jury delivered a guilty verdict before DC Superior Court Judge Michael O’Keefe following a 2014 homicide trial.

Marvin Lopez, 43, was charged with premeditated first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Evelyn Arroyo on Dec. 24, 2014, on the 3900 block of 14th Street, NW. 

After deliberating for a day, the jury delivered a guilty verdict for both charges against Lopez.

During trial, the prosecution relied heavily on cell phone records and witness testimony. They presented several messages between Lopez and Arroyo, showing multiple threats made by Lopez, such as “You’re going to die. I swear it” and  “We’ll see each other soon”.

Prosecutors also presented witness testimony from multiple individuals that described the abusive nature of their relationship. 

In their closing statement, the prosecution emphasized that Lopez swore that he would kill Arroyo multiple times, and that he finally got his wish, because he was the one who ultimately murdered her. 

The defense highlighted the lack of physical or DNA evidence, and questioned the  motives of witnesses describing Lopez and Arroyo’s domestic problems. They argued that, although the couple was in a toxic relationship, it does not automatically prove Lopez was the killer.

In the defense’s closing statement, Lopez’s attorney, Rachel McCoy, emphasized the prosecution’s burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt, and insisted that they failed to do so. 

McCoy rested her case by stating “One reasonable doubt and you must acquit,” and there are several in this case.

Following the verdict, Lopez’s defense counsel, Rachel McCoy and Justin Okezie, withdrew from the case for undisclosed reasons.

A sentencing was scheduled for Jan. 26.