Police ID murder suspect

Waynesboro police are seeking a Lyndhurst man in the killing of Eduardo “Piku” Herrera, authorities said Tuesday.

Roughly a year after pleading guilty along with two others to beating Herrera, 38, with a baseball bat at an apartment building on 260 N. Commerce Ave., David Luna Sanchez, 21, is wanted on second-degree murder charges. Herrera was fatally stabbed near his home Sunday night.

“We know exactly who we’re looking for now. That’s a big help,” said Sgt. Kelly Walker, spokesman for the Waynesboro police.

Police said they believe Sanchez may be driving a primer-black 1990s Ford Taurus. Authorities have obtained the vehicle identification number for the car, Walker said.

Police issued the warrant for Sanchez’ arrest after interviewing more than a dozen people over two days.

Following the recommendation of attorneys on both sides, Judge Humes J. Franklin Jr. last year released Sanchez; Isaias Rojas, 23; and Jose Sanchez-Aregin, 21, from jail on six-year suspended sentence after they pleaded guilty to beating Herrera and robbing him of beer and money.

Herrera told The News Virginian at the time that his attackers, who are Mexican, might have jumped him because he was Puerto Rican. A city prosecutor mentioned the racial overtones during sentencing.

Herrera retaliated several days after the December 2008 beating by entering his attackers’ home to steal a $200 stereo system. He was later convicted of trespassing.

His was the second city killing in five weeks. Both victims resided at 260 N. Commerce Ave.

For more than a decade the apartment building has posed problems for police. This year, officers have responded to more than 150 calls there. An April shooting prompted daily foot patrols, authorities said. The murder of tenant John Kelley Miller, 44, in May spurred police to escalate their efforts.

Officers walked through the building 145 times and responded to 45 calls this month.

City Manager Mike Hamp said his office and police urged increased patrols and a “zero-tolerance” policy. Officers have made quick arrests following serious crimes, he said.

“It also doesn’t seem to have had the deterrent effect we would want,” Hamp said Tuesday. “Really, what we need to do is work on prevention.”

Hamp said area social services, health department, Office on Youth and Housing Authority officials will work together to improve the quality of life at the apartments. Hamp is looking into new street lights for the area.

“We’re thoughtful not to run over there and throw programs at people,” he said.

Hamp said buy-in from tenants and building owner Bobby Jardine will be key.

“Not in every case are perpetrators residents of the property complex,” Hamp said. “Tenants should help manage visitation.”

Thirty-six hours after Miller was found dead in the South River, police arrested two suspects in the case. Police hope for similar results now.

“Each case has its own dynamic,” Walker said. “You have to go where the evidence leads you. You can’t create a path that isn’t there.”

City Editor Tony Gonzalez contributed to this report.

Police seek help
Police ask that anyone with information regarding David Luna Sanchez, 21, or the killing of Eduardo Herrera call the department at (540) 942-6675 or Central Shenandoah CrimeStoppers at 1-800-322-2017.