Update:

(Lawrenceville, Ga., Apr. 4, 2024) - Gwinnett County Police Homicide Detectives have charged Erik Ruiz Lopez (19, Buford) with Aggravated Assault, Felony Murder, and Malice Murder.  He has been arrested and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.  The victim’s next of kin has not been notified.

During the investigation, detectives discovered Ruiz Lopez and the victim shared a bedroom in the house. They got into a physical altercation in the shared bedroom, which resulted in Ruiz Lopez choking the victim unconscious with a television cable.  Ruiz Lopez left the room, then returned with a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times. 

Original:

(Buford, Ga., Apr. 3, 2024) – The Gwinnett County Police Homicide Unit is investigating an incident that resulted in the death of one man.

Around 1:45 a.m. Officers from the North precinct responded to a trouble unknown call near 3200 Ivy Birch Way in Buford.  A caller stated that she heard loud noises and someone grunting for help.  Officers arrived and started looking for anyone in distress. 

Responding officers noticed lights on at a house.  Once they were able to get the occupants of the house to come to the door, they noticed one of them looked as though he had been in a physical altercation.  Officers detained the occupants and checked the inside of the house.  Inside they located an adult male deceased. 

Detectives believe there was an argument between the occupants of the house that turned into a physical altercation.  Detectives have detained and are interviewing who is believed to be the suspect in the incident.  The Crime Scene Unit is enroute to process the scene. 

Currently detectives believe this was a domestic incident between the occupants inside the house and are currently not looking for any additional suspects.  The victim’s name will be released following next-of-kin notification.

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.