EVERETT — Everett police on Friday night arrested a third suspect in the April 23 stabbing death of a man whose body was discovered outside a vacant house off Broadway.
Two people already are charged with murder for the slaying of Luis Verduzco, 23. Investigators believe Verduzco was stabbed in the chest during an attempted robbery.
The trials for Derek Donnelly and Lathana Neese are scheduled to begin in April. Prosecutors allege Donnelly stabbed the victim while Neese helped arrange the meeting with Verduzco. The Arlington woman also is accused of being present during the killing.
The third suspect, a Monroe man, was booked late Friday for investigation of second-degree murder. A judge is expected to review arrest documents Sunday to determine if there is probable cause to hold the man in connection with the killing.
Witnesses told detectives that Donnelly was looking for someone to rob of drugs. The suspects are accused of arranging to meet with Verduzco, telling him that they wanted to buy some methamphetamine.
Investigators believe the group picked up Verduzco. Donnelly reportedly grabbed Verduzco from behind. He tried to break free and attempted to jump from the moving vehicle. Donnelly allegedly stabbed the man and pushed him from the Dodge Durango.
A witness later reported seeing a young man running down W. Madison Street with his face covered in blood on the morning of April 23. The bloodied man stripped off his shirt and threw it on the ground before running out of sight.
Verduzco’s body was discovered the next day near a garage on W. Madison Street.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@heraldnet.com.
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