Teenager arrested in connection with stabbing death in Needles

NEEDLES — A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the death of an 18-year-old stabbing victim in Needles Saturday.

Brion Lopez, 18, of Needles was found lying dead in the roadway at an Interstate 40 overpass at about 11 p.m. Saturday. Lopez had an apparent stab wound to his upper body, according to a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department report.

Deputies found the 15-year-old, a relative of Lopez, at the scene and arrested him based on evidence found at the scene and on the suspect, the report stated. Investigators believe that Lopez and the suspect had an argument before the stabbing. The suspect was booked at a juvenile detention center in San Bernardino.

To report information relating to the death, call Sgt. Tom Bradford or Detective John Minard with the sheriff’s homicide unit at 909-387-3589. To remain anonymous, call WE-TIP at 1-800-78-CRIME or leave information on the WeTip Web site at www.wetip.com.