Man Arrested For Murder Of Store Owner

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- Police have arrested a man on felony murder charges after a beloved store clerk was shot to death last weekend.

Rufina Hernandez was killed at the liquor store she owned, La Casa De Morata, on Georgia St. NW.  Detectives arrested Andres Lopez, 45, just blocks away from where the shooting happened on Thursday afternoon.

Police say Hernandez, was working last Saturday night when two men came into the store to rob her.  She handed over all the money but one of the suspects shot her in the face and neck.

Store patrons are devastated at the loss of this mother of two who they describe as a friend.  They say she would often reach out to those in need, trusting them with merchandise in exchange for "IOU's."

Customers also describe a dedicated mother whose 24-year-old son and 19-year-old daughter often worked at the store.  Hernandez had just recently lost her husband to a heart attack.

Police are still hunting down the second suspect in this murder case.  They have significant leads but say they are still looking for any information community members may have. 

Lopez faces felony murder charges.  Officials say he had a prior criminal record with violent offenses and no fixed address.