Suspect Allegedly Stabs Victim and Drinks His Blood
Suspect believed drinking victim's blood would keep him safe from police.
Aug. 5, 2010— -- A man who allegedly killed his roommate and drank his blood in front of his niece and her young children has been captured after a three day manhunt, Florida police said today.
The Bartow Police Department arrested Mauricio Lopezon Wednesday after he asked a woman for a ride, according to police. The woman recognized Lopez from a wanted poster and called the authorities while keeping an eye on the man.
According to police, Lopez admitted to killing Macario Cruz because he was angry that Cruz was having an affair with his niece, Mirella Mendez. Cruz is married to Mendez's sister, who is in Mexico.
After the stabbing, Mendez told ABC News' Tampa affiliate WFTS, "He had a cup of blood in his hand and said, 'The devil tells me his life is now mine and I'm going to drink it.' Then he drank what was in the cup."
Lopez then went outside carrying a knife and the bloody glass and put the knife against her throat, Mendez said.
Before fleeing, Lopez raised the bloody glass in the air and said, "This is my secret," Mendez told police.
After his capture, Detective Sgt. David Wyant of the Bartow Police Department told ABCNews.com that he asked Lopez if he drank the blood.
"I've been a cop for over 16 years….for the better part of my career I've been interviewing people," Wyant said. "I've never asked that question before."
"He said that he was really intoxicated and he doesn't remember drinking the blood," the officer said.
Mendez told police that a Mexican custom says that if a murderer keeps the murder weapon and drinks the blood of the victim, he will be safe from the authorities, Wyant said. The officer added, "It doesn't work, because we arrested him last night."
Lopez is scheduled to appear in court for the first time today. He is being held in the Polk County Jail without bond. He faces charges of second degree murder, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, felony battery, and two counts of aggravated assault. Police said that Lopez is an illegal immigrant, which has made it difficult to find out if he has any past history of mental illness or violence.
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