A Marion County Grand Jury has returned a multi-count indictment charging a Marion man, Benjamin Lopez, with Aggravated Murder and other charges. "The 41 year old victim was found bludgeoned and strangled in his Smith St. apartment on September 24th," according to Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan.
Benjamin Lopez, 30, of 329 E. Fairground Street is charged with 2 counts of Aggravated Murder, Kidnapping, Aggravated Robbery, Robbery and Aggravated Possession of Drugs (Methamphetamine). Lopez is accused of murdering Jeremy Clements with prior calculation and design and in the course of committing a certain felony offense. He faces a possible sentence of life in prison.
“Marion City Police investigated this case quickly and thoroughly,” Grogan said, pointing out the suspect was taken into custody less than three hours after the victim's father discovered his son's body and called 911.
According to Grogan, numerous items of property were taken from the victim's apartment after the killing and found in an abandoned house nearby. Grogan said he would not release additional information to insure the Defendant receives a fair trial. The Defendant is presumed innocent until his guilt is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Lopez remains incarcerated at the Multi County Corrections Center on a one million dollar bond. Lopez is scheduled for Arraignment on Monday in Marion County Common Pleas Court.