3 Men Face Murder Charges in Connection with a Home Invasion Robbery
OAKLAND — Three suspects in custody face murder charges in connection with a home invasion robbery that occurred in November 2018. The victim died of suffocation while his home was ransacked.
Jose Lechuga was 51 years old when he was killed inside his home on 28th Avenue in Oakland. His body was found wrapped in duct tape from head to toe. His face was covered with tape and he was hit with a blunt object while he was restrained.
Two of the murder suspects were arrested this month, and one suspect was arrested last year in October. All three suspects remain in custody at Santa Rita Jail, pending court hearings on February 24.
Authorities identified the suspects using fingerprint evidence. Two of the suspects were also recorded on store security cameras purchasing rope linked to the crime scene.
Armondo J. Sanchez, 24 of Martinez, was taken into custody on February 9. His fingerprints were found on packaging materials from the rope. Sanchez is ineligible for release on bond.
Eduardo Bibian-Lopez, 26 of Oakland, was arrested on February 1. His fingerprints were found inside the victim’s home.
Bibian-Lopez was already in jail for illicit drug and firearm possession when he was booked for an additional murder charge. He is ineligible for release on bond.
The third suspect, David Martin, 22, has been in custody since October, ineligible for release on bond. Martin’s fingerprints were found on the duct tape.
Sanchez, Bibian-Lopez and Martin have each been charged with murder.
