Lilburn man charged with Fourth of July murder of roommate

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Martin Montiel-Moreno (Gwinnett County Police Department)

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. - Gwinnett County police have arrested a Lilburn man for the murder of his roommate on the Fourth of July.

Martin Montiel-Moreno is facing charges of felony and malice murder as well as aggravated battery and aggravated assaultin the death of 21-year-old Jorge De La Cruz, according to Gwinnett County Police.

What we know:

Authorities tell FOX 5 that officers were called to the home on the 4000 block of Comanche Court on July 4 after receiving a report of an assault.

At the scene, officers found 21-year-old Jorge De La Cruz suffering from a severe head injury.

Medics rushed De La Cruz to a local hospital in critical condition. Officials say he was not able to survive his injuries.

"What we do know is that the victim was struck with a sledgehammer at least more than one time," said Gwinnett County Police Corporal Juan Madiedo. "The victim’s injuries were sustained to the head area. It was an unfortunate scene that occurred."

One of De La Cruz's roommates told detectives he found the man with the injury and called 911. The man also said that their other roommate, later identified as Montiel-Moreno, had left the scene before officers arrived.

"He made some type of outcry to that deputy stating that we were looking for him and that he had just committed a heinous crime," Madiedo said. "They contacted us, and that’s when we were able to interview him."

While investigators were working at the scene, Montiel-Moreno reportedly approached a Forsyth County deputy and told them that the police were looking for him. He was taken into custody and later booked into the Gwinnett County Jail.

After De La Cruz died on July 6, detectives added murder charges. He remains held without bond at the Gwinnett County Jail.

What they're saying:

Authorities say all three men living at the home were acquainted, but the motive behind the deadly assault remains unclear.

"It’s just unfortunate when things like this occur," said Madiedo. "We’re fortunate our investigative team was able to apprehend this individual before anyone else could be hurt."

What we don't know:

 The motive for the alleged assault remains unknown, though police say that the three roommates were acquainted with each other.

What you can do:

If you have any information that could help with the case, contact Gwinnett County detectives at (770) 513-5300 or Crime Stoppers at (404) 577-8477.