STATESVILLE, NC– The Statesville Police Department has arrested and charged Marcellus Anthony Brown, 27 with the murder of Luis Rene Mendoza, 46.
Police say they received a report of a burglary at a residence around 12:30 sunday morning in the 1300 block of Harris Street in Statesville. When they arrived at the scene, they found William Wesley Bullin, 42, suffering from swelling and lacerations to his face.
Bullin told police that unknown suspects broke into his home and assaulted him.
While at the home, officers conducted a protective sweep to verify no suspects were still inside. Officers and EMS personnel located the body of Mendoza inside a bedroom.
Police say there was an altercation between Mendoza and his former girlfriend, who is also the mother of his child. The female left the home during the night.
According to police, Marcellus Brown, the female’s current boyfriend, returned to the home in the early morning hours and forced his way in. Brown was involved in a physical altercation with Mendoza while inside the home.
Based on the information obtained during the investigation, an arrest warrant
was obtained for Marcellus Brown for murder. Brown was arrested and is currently being held in the Iredell County Jail without bond.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Statesville Police Criminal Investigations Division at 704-878-3515, or Iredell Crime Stoppers at 704-662-1340.
Callers can remain anonymous and a cash reward is possible.
