MONTGOMERY, Ala. WSFA  The suspect in a Montgomery triple homicide had his first court appearance Wednesday morning before Circuit Judge Greg Griffin. Jarques Butler, 18, acknowledged that he understood the charges against him. Montgomery police arrested Butler Tuesday in connection to theJune 4 deadly shooting at Tienda Los Hermanos grocery storeon Troy Highway. Butler, according to Montgomery County District Attorney Daryl Bailey, faces three counts of capital murder and is being held without bail at the Montgomery County Detention Facility. Police say Butler was caught Tuesday afternoon after officers caught up to him in the area of East Fifth Street. A police spokeswoman said Butler ran away but was caught following a search of the area with help from the Alabama Law Enforcement Aviation Unit. The June 4 attack at the family s store claimed the lives of Romero Lopez, 43, and his son Daniel Lopez, 20. Family friend George Elijah Jr., 50, was also killed. The capital charges against Butler include one count of capital murder of two or more people, as well as two counts of capital murder during the commission of a robbery. Bailey says he and his team will continue to work closely with MPD to present this case before a grand jury. More arrests could be made in this case. The store has experienced crime in the weeks since the homicides. Employees and police confirm the store wasburglarized over the weekend. An employee said a donation jar for the Lopezes was among the items stolen. Bailey confirmed there is an uptick in crimes targeting the Hispanic community in Montgomery. He says those who choose to commit a crime will face a big punishment. If you commit a violent crime the police department and law enforcement will hunt you down, said Bailey, They are going to arrest you and then our prosecution team and violent crimes team is going to do what they are supposed to do and make sure these cases are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. . Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed praised the police department for its work saying:. Montgomery Police continue to do excellent work bringing those who commit the worst offenses in our city to justice. This case is far from over and I have faith our officers will bring everyone involved in this heinous crime to justice. We encourage anyone with information to come forward and assist MPD, regardless of your legal status. Your help is crucial in keeping our community safe. . Bailey told WSFA 12 News it was too early to determine if his office will seek the death penalty. Sign up for theWSFA Newsletterand get the latest local news and breaking alerts in your email!. Copyright 2024 WSFA. All rights reserved.
Jarques Butler, 18, appeared in court for a triple homicide at a grocery store in Montgomery. He faces three counts of capital murder and is held without bail. More arrests may follow. After the homicides, the store was burglarized. The DA confirmed a rise in crimes against the Hispanic community and warned of serious consequences for offenders. The Mayor praised the police's efforts and encouraged the community to assist in the investigation. It's uncertain if the death penalty will be pursued.