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Co-worker Charged In Beating Death Of Brooklyn Park Popeyes Employee

BROOKLYN PARK, Md. (WJZ)--A worker is found stabbed to death inside a Popeyes restaurant in Anne Arundel County. Tuesday, police released brand new information about the victim's coworker, who they say is behind the killing.

Rick Ritter has more on the suspect.

Police arrested 26-year old Moises Gomez-Castillo who they say stabbed the victim more than 40 times. Charging documents show the suspect a robbery and even tried to get other workers to join in on the killing.

He is charged with first and second degree murder in the death of 47-year-old Luzviminda Monreal.

"I'm very appalled," said Michelle Drakes.

Sunday morning, a gruesome discovery inside the Popeyes in Brooklyn Park. A manager found her in the back stockroom, stabbed many times with the safe open.

"She basically was in the middle of this guy robbing the business," said TJ Smith, Anne Arundel County police.

Friends say she worked two jobs just to provide for her family. Now they're trying to come to grips with the horrific murder.

"I just hope that this will put a name on her as a human being," Drakes said.

Just hours after the killing, police say Gomez-Costillo showed up to a fire station to get treated for a cut on his hand but police say he identified himself as someone else. It didn't take long for investigators to catch on. They say he worked with the woman the night before and surveillance video showed he was there around the time of the killing.

"This suspect had done some things through our evidence that was able to lead us to him pretty quickly," Smith said.

Gomez-Castillo is being held without bond. Even though the alleged killer is behind bars, police say plenty of questions remain unanswered.

"A senseless act of violence from a hard-working woman," Smith said.

Gomez-Castillo faces first and second degree murder charges.

Police say additional charges related to robbery are anticipated for the suspect.

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