SE OKC Murder Suspect Confesses To Killing Roommate, Burying Body In Backyard

Court documents revealed what led up to a murder at a home in southeast Oklahoma City last weekend.

Related Coverage:

1. Backyard Discovery: 1 Arrested After Tip Leads Police To Buried Body In SE OKC
2. Man Arrested, Accused Of Killing Roommate, Police Find Body Buried In Backyard

Police found the victim’s body on Wednesday buried in a shallow grave in the home’s backyard. The man arrested told investigators during questioning he had a fight with his roommate. Juan Lopez-Aldana, 22, admitted to shooting his friend because he was intoxicated and being too loud.

The investigation started Tuesday night when two witnesses reported a murder to the Valley Brook Police Department. One of the witnesses reported seeing Lopez-Aldana shoot their friend in the head at a home near Southeast 59th Street and Bryant Avenue. 

Court papers indicated the witness saw a shovel and fresh dirt in the backyard of the home the next day. “Police responded to that address, it was apparent that a crime was committed there,” said Sgt. Dillon Quirk, Oklahoma City Police Department. “There was enough probable cause for police officers to lock down that residence and begin their investigation.”

Police took Lopez-Aldana into custody. During questioning Lopez-Aldana told police his roommate was good with swords and knives and was afraid to fight him. He said when his roommate approached him, he shot him in the head. Lopez-Aldana said he drove to Home Depot and bought a shovel to bury the body.

Crime scene investigators, the medical examiner's office, and anthropologists excavated an area of the backyard where Lopez-Aldana described burying the body. “They’ve been out there searching all day in the backyard of this residence,” said Quirk. “Just a short time ago one deceased person was found in the backyard.”

The victim was buried in a shallow grave near a metal shed, along with clothes used to clean up blood inside the home.

Police have not released the victim's name.