Arrests Made in Wards Lake Park Homicide

Homicide detectives arrested two people for the murder and robbery of Elias Lopez Lopez, 27, who was found dead inside Wards Lake Park in Lakewood on Thursday night, according to Lt. Chris Lawler, Lakewood police spokesperson.

Detectives determined the victim was lured to the park by Bethany Tesfaye, 19, and Ramone Daniels, 19, her boyfriend, Lawler said. She told police Daniels was hiding in the park, came out and began assaulting the victim, demanding money.

The victim fought back and tried to run away, Lawler said.

"Daniels fired his weapon at the victim and hit him as he was running away," Lawler said. "The victim died from injuries he sustained from the gunshot wound shortly after being shot."

Tesfaye told detectives they took his money and belongings after he was shot and fled the scene on foot.

Lakewood police officers responded to the area near the park for a report of shots fired around 10 p.m. on Thursday but did not find any problems and cleared the area. A group of citizens stated they found Lopez's body inside the park around 10:30 p.m.

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