A Denton County jury on Thursday afternoon, June 26th, found Samuel Melkamu guilty of Capital Murder in the tragic 2022 deaths of Lilia Fernandez Ortiz and Alejandro Arrellano Fernandez. This conviction carries an automatic sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The Lewisville Police Department expressed their gratitude alongside the Denton County District Attorney's Office for the verdict. According to the police, Arrellano-Fernandez ran a construction business and had occasionally hired Melkamu. Approximately a week before the August 10, 2022, shooting, Melkamu had texted Arrellano-Fernandez inquiring about owed money, stating in the text thread that his phone service would be disconnected if he didn't receive the payment.
The affidavit states that Melkamu then shot Arrellano-Fernandez in the head "execution-style" at point-blank range. Both suspects were then observed dragging the body into the Ramblewood Drive garage. The victims' bodies were discovered on August 14 by a family member who had been unable to contact them. Arrellano-Fernandez's body was found in the garage, while Fernandez Ortiz was found dead in the kitchen with two full cups of coffee and an uneaten plate of breakfast food nearby.
The State's case was presented by Assistant District Attorneys Michelle Dobson and Dustin Gossage, with assistance from Investigator Paul Nathan and Director of Victim Services Veronica Brunner, following an investigation by the Lewisville Police Department.
The Lewisville Police Department commended their team, from the initial patrol officers to the criminal investigators who "worked tirelessly to identify, locate, and arrest the suspect," highlighting their crucial dedication and determination in ensuring justice was served. They also extended their thanks to the Denton County Criminal District Attorney’s Office for their exceptional work and expressed thankfulness that the victims and their families received the justice they deserve.
