NR 23-25 Arrest made in Merritt Island homicide
Juan Carlos Alvarez
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 34-year-old, Ismael Barrera Sarceno and 30-year-old Douglas Expec Lopez, both of Cocoa for their involvement in the death of 30-year-old, Juan Carlos Perez Alvarez, whose body was discovered in the water last week, on July 24th, at Waterway Park in Merritt Island. Barrera Sarceno was arrested late yesterday evening after an arrest warrant was issued for him by Judge Kelly Ingram charging him with 2nd Degree Murder. Barrera Sarceno is currently being held at the Brevard County Jail on a No Bond status. Lopez was arrested today on an arrest warrant issued by Judge Kelly Ingram, also charging him with 2nd degree Murder. Lopez is currently in custody and will be transported to the jail also on a No Bond status.
The investigation began on the morning of July 24, 2023, when deputies responded to the area after the Sheriff’s Office was advised that a male was observed floating in the water. Upon arrival, deputies located a male victim who was retrieved from the water, near shore, by the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team. An autopsy conducted by the Brevard County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that the victim had been beaten to death prior to being placed in the water.
Based on the investigation thus far, it is believed that the victim, Barrera Sarceno and Lopez went out drinking at several locations in Central Brevard. During the drive home, a disagreement occurred between the men that continued as they entered Waterway Park. The men exited the vehicle at which time the disagreement escalated and the victim was attacked by Barrera Sarceno and Lopez leading to his death. Upon realizing the victim was deceased, the men placed the victim’s body in the water and fled the area.
Anyone who may have information about this investigation is asked to please call Agent Robert Bennett of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 321-633-8413 or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477). All calls to CRIMELINE are confidential and callers can remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward.
For additional information concerning this News Release, please call PIO Tod Goodyear of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office at 321-501-7594.
