Police Investigate Fatal Domestic Incident in Buford, 19-year-old Arrested

The Gwinnett County Police Homicide Unit is investigating a fatal incident that occurred early this morning in Buford.

Officers from the North precinct responded to a call around 1:45 a.m. reporting loud noises and calls for help near 3200 Ivy Birch Way. Upon arrival, they found lights on at a nearby house. Upon approaching the residence, officers noticed signs of a physical altercation on one of the occupants. Upon further investigation, they discovered the body of an adult male inside the house.

Detectives suspect that an argument among the occupants escalated into a physical altercation, resulting in the death of the victim. They have detained and are currently interviewing a suspect believed to be involved in the incident. The Crime Scene Unit is on its way to process the scene.

Authorities believe this was a domestic incident confined to the individuals inside the house, and they are not seeking additional suspects at this time. The identity of the victim will be released pending notification of next of kin.

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. 

UPDATE: Gwinnett County Police Homicide Detectives have charged 19-year-old Erik Ruiz Lopez of Buford with Aggravated Assault, Felony Murder, and Malice Murder.  He has been arrested and booked into the Gwinnett County Jail. 

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.