Arrest in Deaths of Pregnant Teen, Unborn Child

A Poway man is accused of helping the key suspect in the crime escape capture

A Poway man was taken into custody, charged with helping an accused killer escape capture.

Jesse Lopez, 22, was arrested Tuesday on charges he was an accessory to the double murder of an Escondido teenager and her unborn child.

Viridiana Rodriguez, 18, was shot in the stomach April 7. Emergency crews were called and transported her to a nearby hospital but she and her unborn baby were pronounced dead about an hour later.

Her boyfriend, Ruben Anthony Cepeda, 21, fled the scene according to the Escondido Police Department.

A $1 million double-murder arrest warrant has been issued for Cepeda's arrest.

Investigators believe Lopez was in the apartment when Cepeda shot Rodriguez and drove Cepeda away from the Estancia Apartments complex at 725 N. Fig Street.

Officers believe Cepeda still has the weapon used in the shooting. U.S. Marshals and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department are helping in the search.

Court documents reveal Cepeda has a prior conviction for robbery in 2007.

Investigators warn residents should not approach Cepeda. He is considered to be armed and dangerous.

They also warn that anyone helping Cepeda avoid capture will face arrest like Lopez.

Viridiana Rodriguez was approximately five months pregnant officers said. Family members have told NBCSanDiego she was expecting a boy.

If anyone has information about this case, please contact the Escondido Police Department immediately at 760-839-4722. 

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