Judge Finds Probable Cause in Homicide Case

By Isabella Graf , Mia Kimm - February 22, 2024
Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

On Feb. 16, DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein found probable cause in a homicide case. 

Alberto Valle-Carranza, 55, is charged with second-degree murder while armed for his alleged involvement in the fatal stabbing of 31-year-old Reyna Garcia-Lopez. The incident occurred on Dec. 19, inside an apartment on the 1200 block of 11th Street, NW. 

According to court documents, Garcia-Lopez was found unconscious with several stab wounds throughout her body after a domestic disturbance. Valle-Carranza is alleged to have fled the area, having been arrested in Michigan City, Indiana, on Dec. 20. He was extradited to the District a few days later. 

During the hearing, the prosecution called a detective from the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to testify. The detective formally adopted several documents, including the arrest warrant, as part of his testimony. 

According to the detective, a phone call was made between Valle-Carranza and a witness during which Valle-Carranza allegedly confessed several times to stabbing Garcia-Lopez. 

The prosecution presented surveillance footage from the lobby of the building at the crime scene, which featured two individuals entering and leaving the apartment throughout the evening. The detective identified them as Valle-Carranza and Garcia-Lopez. 

The surveillance footage captured Valle-Carranza allegedly leaving the apartment, before the police arrived, with a black duffel bag in which there were clothes and a Mexican passport, according to the detective. 

Valle-Carranza’s defense attorney, Rachel McCoy, questioned the detective regarding the roommate that lived in the apartment with the victim and the defendant. The detective stated that he ruled out the roommate as the suspect a while ago based on the evidence from the surveillance video. 

McCoy questioned the detective if he followed up leads relating to Latinx gangs operating in the District. The detective responded that he had not investigated the gangs, because the evidence does not suggest gang-related activity.

McCoy also asked the detective about whether Garcia-Lopez had instigated the incident. According to the detective, the injuries that were found on Valle-Carranza were not consistent with typical defensive wounds. 

Judge Epstein ultimately stated that there is enough evidence to find probable cause. 

McCoy requested release conditions for Valle-Carranza, arguing that he is employed, has no criminal record and has no drug issues. Judge Epstein denied this request citing the severity of the crime and the defendant’s previous attempt to flee.

Parties are expected to reconvene March 29.