Suspect in Fuquay teen's stabbing in US illegally

The man charged with stabbing a Fuquay-Varina teen to death over the weekend is in the U.S. illegally, authorities said Wednesday.

Gabriel Alejandro Maricio Lopez, 20, of 600 Church St., and Alejanero Prada Sanchez, 19, of 307 Linwood St., Apt. 23, are charged with murder in the death of Patricia Perez, 15.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a detainer on Lopez after determining that he entered the country illegally, authorities said. No detainer has been placed on Sanchez.

Perez and Lopez were dating, and authorities said they believe Lopez stabbed her to death after an argument. Sanchez witnessed the stabbing, authorities said.

Fishermen found Perez's body early Saturday near a fishing ramp off Farrington Road about one mile north of U.S. Highway 64.

Both men are being held without bond in the Chatham County jail.