Major Crimes Unit arrest

Published on February 2, 2024

The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) has charged Lester Cruz, 27, with murder and aggravated assault after a deadly stabbing at a home in the 400 block of Mountain Gap Road.

HPD officers responded to the area shortly before 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 1, and found two victims with life-threatening injuries.

One of the victims succumbed to their injuries at the scene and was pronounced dead. She is identified as Zennella Pena-Sandoval, 40. The second victim was transported to the hospital and is expected to survive.

South Precinct Officers apprehended Cruz walking away from the scene minutes after the incident occurred. He was taken into custody without incident.

During the investigation, HPD Major Crimes Unit Investigators learned the suspect and both victims were roommates at the home. This is an isolated incident.

Investigators believe a verbal altercation led up to the stabbing.

Cruz was booked into the Madison County Jail on the charges.

The case remains under investigation. No further information is available at this time.