Family And Friends Remember Harford County Teen Killed In Triple Stabbing
EDGEWOOD, Md. (WJZ) -- A community comes together after a teenage girl's senseless killing. The crime rocked quiet Harford County.
There was an emotional vigil for the 15-year-old twins and their mother stabbed in their home.
Rick Ritter has new details on the suspect.
We're learning the victim's mother used to be in a relationship with the alleged killer's father. Deputies say all of them even lived together at one point. Another bizarre twist in this deadly slaying.
Dozens of candles lit shed only a glimpse of the suffering that's ripped through an Edgewood community.
"It's been like real traumatic. It's been scary," said Tyreique Sawyer, friend.
Family and friends shattered after a vicious attack that killed 15-year-old Mely Hernandez.
"She just was really funny, she was a bright person," said Jordan Burnette, friend.
Her alleged killer, 21-year-old Ivan Bustamante remains in a cell at the Harford County jail. Deputies say Bustamante is behind the slaying that took place at the family's Edgewood apartment.
Charging documents say Bustamante came into the neighborhood with two knives. When he entered the home, he attacked all three victims--Maria Hernandez, 39, and her twin daughters, Mely and Liz.
Mely died from her injuries on the way to the hospital.
"She was always laughing, she was always there for somebody whenever you needed her," said Sawyer.
The Harford County Sheriff's Office tells WJZ Maria Hernandez was previously in a relationship with Bustamante's father.
"We felt like it was important for people to realize that he did know them and they considered each other family," said Cristie Kahler, Harford County Sheriff's Office.
On Friday night, a moment of silence for her daughter Mely turned to tears. Friends and family remember the popular student, who was close to her twin sister, but are still left wondering why.
"Just pray and just look for the brighter side in the situation," said Burnette.
Deputies say a motive in the killing remains under investigation. Earlier this week, a judge issued Bustamante no bail. He faces life in prison.
Family members are asking for donations to help pay for the teen's funeral.
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