MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – Offering condolences — city leaders in Montgomery — spoke directly to the Latino and Hispanic community during a press conference Wednesday afternoon — following Tuesday night’s triple homicide at a Hispanic-owned grocery store. The victims identified as George Elijah Jr., 50, and Daniel Lopez, 20, died at the scene. Romero Lopez, 43, succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
“We want the public to know — in particular in our Latino and Hispanic communities — to understand that we see you — we hear you — and we’re not going to stand for this,” said Mayor Steven Reed.
Mayor Reed went to the crime scene Tuesday night — at Tienda Los Hermanos on Troy Highway — following a city council meeting where they discussed violent crime. The triple homicide is the latest in a string of crimes — mostly business robberies — targeting Montgomery’s Hispanic community.
“There are people who believe those who may not speak English as a first language are easy targets and that’s the most sickening part of this. So I know there is more we can do. We are looking at what other cities have done to address this issue as well,” said Mayor Reed.
Mayor Reed says they’ve had members of law enforcement go to Hispanic businesses and talk about best business practices when it comes to handling cash to try and make the businesses safer. It’s a free service offered by Montgomery’s Police Department.
Meanwhile, as investigators — including the FBI — work to see if the crimes are connected — police are working with community members to encourage people to come forward with information. A translator and pastor who works with the Montgomery Police Citizens Police Academy spoke directly to the Hispanic community.
“What I told them in Spanish is — we want them to understand — that they should feel free and be able to give information on everything they have without worrying about their immigration status — that is not what is being dealt with here. We want them to have that freedom and understanding that is not the case here. We want them to speak. Come and give information they have without that fear.”
Montgomery’s acting police Chief John Hall — reiterated that message.
“It’s extremely important that one little thing they didn’t tell us — that one piece we need to tie everything together and bring these people to justice. So we ask that you call us — let us come in and let us do these police reports. We are not going to do anything except that police report. We are going to make sure that citizen is taken care of because at that moment they are a victim,” said Chief Hall.
As the Hispanic community rallies together — Mayor Reed promises they’re using every resource they have to identify and bring those responsible to justice.
“It doesn’t matter the time, doesn’t matter the place, or how much money it costs — we will use every measure we have and every tool that we have to find out not only who did that last night — those that committed this homicide — that cost three lives. But those who been targeting Hispanic and Latino businesses all across this community. It’s something we will not accept or tolerate,” said Mayor Reed.
Mayor Reed also says they are actively working on a reward in this case — to hopefully motivate people with information to call.
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