SMITHFIELD, NC - A man charged with murdering his wife after a dispute has turned himself and the murder weapon in to the authorities and confessed to the crime, prosecutors say.
It was reported that Jesus Bermudez, age unknown, got into an argument with his wife, Lorena Capera Paz, 45, which authorities determined may have been related to the incident.
Bermudez, who has a teenage son with Paz, acquired a firearm several days before the murder, according to prosecutors. Local law enforcement officials believe the murder was an isolated incident and not part of a larger crime spree. He was charged with first-degree murder.
The incident occurred during the overnight hours at a local plant where Paz was an employee. She was discovered in the plant parking lot area with gunshot wounds.
Authorities interviewed several witnesses who identified Bermudez as the suspect. Investigators also confirmed that he and Paz were married.
"We have activated our emergency response protocols and are providing support resources, including counseling services, to employees affected by this tragic event," Paul Sennett, the AAF Chief Operating Officer, said in a statement.
The Johnston County prosecutor's office stated that Bermudez confessed to the crime, turned himself in, and allowed law enforcement officers to take him into custody at his Smithfield home.
It is rare that a suspect accused of murder would confess to a crime of that magnitude.
Despite overwhelming evidence or even a guilty verdict, many offenders don't confess. They often feel that admitting guilt can threaten their self-image, preserve hope for an appeal, avoid additional legal or social consequences, protect others, or simply reflect denial, pride, or a refusal to accept responsibility.
Suspects who are charged with crimes often refuse to accept responsibility and blame their actions on the victim, with a general attitude of “they made me do it.”
Bermudez told the court, through an interpreter, that he turned himself and the gun in after the shooting. However, it is unclear if the court considers Bermudez’s statement as an official confession.
While making his statements to the judge, his court-appointed attorney quickly intervened, was seen waving his hand across his neck toward Bermudez and his interpreter, indicating to stop communicating, and can be heard saying to the court, “Under the advice of counsel I would advise you to not make any statements at this time.”
It is unclear what, if anything else, was said by Bermudez.
Authorities have not yet revealed a motive, but believe the earlier argument may have escalated into the fatal shooting.
The family of the victim have started a GoFundMe. In it, they wrote in spanish, “With heavy hearts, we deeply mourn the events affecting all the families involved; there is suffering on both sides—the pain of losing a loved one and the pain regarding the person who committed the act."
Bermudez remains in custody and is due back in court July 16.
------------------------------------------------
Writer and author Eddie Molina has over 25 years of combined LEO and military service. Learn more about his interview articles at www.eddiemolina.com
Comments