Athens man victim of Friday night murder in Barrow County

BARROW COUNTY - An Athens man has been identified as the victim of a Friday night murder in Statham...the third murder this year in Barrow County.

Authorities said Oscar Armando Lopez Melandez, 51, was found dead in a ditch off Booth Road in Statham just before midnight March 12.

An arrest was made in the case Saturday; Adalberto Sanchez, 53, of Colbert is being held without bond in the case. Authorities said it is believed at this time that the victim and the suspect were involved in a verbal fight inside the suspect's car before the murder occured.

The suspect has been charged with murder, possession of a weapon in the commission of a crime and aggravated assault. Sanchez was on parole from Florida for 1st degree murder at the time of the Barrow County slaying.

Barrow authorities say the investigation continues.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2010/3/227798