Merced man arrested in double homicide cold case more than 4 years old, police say

Merced police arrested a man they say is responsible for the double homicide of two men more than four years ago, officers said on Wednesday.

Police arrested Rafael Lopez, 29, of Merced on Tuesday in the 600 block of W. 22nd St., officers said.

Alberto Narvaez, 23, and Miguel Narvaez, 27, were killed about 6:20 p.m. May 23, 2013, while standing in the front yard of a home near 12th and S streets in south Merced, police reported. One of the two men died at the scene, while his brother died while being transported to a medical helicopter, according to police.

Investigators worked leads and interviewed witnesses but were unable to develop a suspect four years ago, police said. Since then there were "advancements in technology" and tips from the public that helped investigators identify a suspect, police said.

Police asked for the public's help most recently in a Facebook post from Sept. 12.

Lopez was interviewed by police and booked on suspicion of several felony charges, including homicide, according to officers. He is held in lieu of $1.7 million, according to jail records.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Merced Police Detective Jeff Horn at 209-388-7739 or 209-385-6905. Tips are confidential and callers may remain anonymous.

This story was originally published October 11, 2017 at 6:25 PM with the headline "Merced man arrested in double homicide cold case more than 4 years old, police say."