News Details
ROOMMATE CHARGED IN LILBURN HOMICIDE
(Lilburn, Ga., July 9, 2025) – Investigators have charged a man in connection with the death of 21-year-old Jorge De La Cruz of Lilburn.
On July 4, officers from the West Precinct responded to an assault call at a residence on the 4000 block of Comanche Court in unincorporated Lilburn. Upon arrival, officers found De La Cruz suffering from a severe head injury. He was transported to Northside Hospital in critical condition. Detectives and the Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene to begin the investigation.
An occupant of the residence told detectives that he discovered the victim with a head injury and called 911. He also informed officers that a third roommate had left the scene prior to their arrival.
While detectives were interviewing the witness, the third roommate identified as Martin Montiel-Moreno (age 40, Lilburn) approached a Forsyth County deputy and stated that police were looking for him. Montiel-Moreno was detained, transported to Gwinnett County Police Headquarters, and interviewed by detectives. He was later booked into the Gwinnett County Jail and charged with aggravated battery and aggravated assault.
On July 6, De La Cruz succumbed to his injuries. Detectives obtained additional arrest warrants charging Montiel-Moreno with felony murder and malice murder.
The motive for the assault remains under investigation. However, detectives have confirmed that all three men lived in the residence and were acquainted with one another.
If anyone has any information to share in this case, please contact GCPD detectives at 770.513.5300. To remain anonymous, tipsters should contact Crime Stoppers at 404.577.TIPS (8477) or visit www.stopcrimeATL.com. Crime Stoppers tipsters can receive a cash reward for information leading to an arrest and indictment in this case.