A 32-year-old man currently held in a Central Florida jail is facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with the death of a 71-year-old Kissimmee resident.
On Tuesday, July 14, the Kissimmee Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for Nicolas Alexander Lopez, less than three weeks after the victim, Charles Harper, was found deceased in the backyard of a local residence.
Back on Thursday, June 25, KPD officers responded to the 1500 block of Heather Way after a 911 caller reported that someone was injured. At around 10:15 a.m., officers arrived at the home and located Harper’s deceased body in the backyard.
Harper reportedly had suffered from “trauma to his face.“
During the early stages of the homicide investigation, KPD detectives identified Lopez as a person of interest in the case.
“As detectives continued to follow the evidence, they developed additional information establishing probable cause that Lopez was responsible for Harper’s death,” said Kissimmee police in a media release.
This week, detectives obtained an arrest warrant charging Lopez with second-degree murder, as well as an additional grand theft auto charge in connection with the theft of Harper’s vehicle. The warrant was served to Lopez at Seminole County Jail, where he has remained in custody on unrelated charges since Thursday, June 25.
No further details were provided by law enforcement.
Kissimmee Police Chief Charles Broadway commended the diligent efforts of the officers and detectives assigned to the case.
“Our officers and detectives remained committed to following the evidence wherever it led,” said Broadway in a statement. “This arrest warrant reflects the dedication, professionalism, and teamwork of everyone involved in this investigation. While today’s arrest warrant marks an important milestone, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mr. Harper’s family as they navigate this difficult time.”