Second suspect arrested in connection with fatal stabbing of teen boy

SALT LAKE CITY — Police say they have arrested a second suspect in connection to a fatal stabbing of a teen boy earlier this week.

Nicolas Espana, 28, was taken into custody today after investigators identified him using security footage and witness testimony. The first suspect, Enrique Deloza, 28, was arrested yesterday using the same methods.

Detectives say videos from businesses surrounding where the stabbing occurred, 71 E. Kensington Ave, captured some of the argument between Marcelino Johnson, 16, and the suspects. Footage reportedly shows Espana and Deloza running from the scene, and reappearing in security video outside a nearby motel shortly after. Johnson later died from his injuries.

ARRESTED: Nicolas Nazario Espana, 28, is the second suspect arrested for criminal #homicide of 16-year-old Marcelino Johnson, who was stabbed Aug. 27 on Kensington Ave. PIO available for comment. pic.twitter.com/r9SIhXVMp5

— SLC Police Dept. (@slcpd) August 29, 2018

Deloza has no prior criminal record in Utah, but Espana does.

“We do know that he has some criminal history here in Utah, as well as in Nevada,” says Detective Robert Ungricht. “One of the reasons we booked him into jail was just to make sure we didn’t have him leave the state on us.”

Court records show Espana was charged with shoplifting in May, and a warrant was issued for his arrest in June after missing a court appearance.

Investigators are thrilled to have their suspects in custody so quickly.

Detective Ungricht says, “Time is of the essence when you’re investigating a homicide. These detectives have worked tirelessly for the last couple days.”

Ungricht is also happy to bring Johnson’s family some form of closure now that Espana and Deloza are behind bars.

“They are going to be held accountable for their actions,” Ungricht says.

Both suspects have been charged with criminal homicide.