MOUNT VERNON (LEX 18) — A suspect has been arrested and charged in connection with the September murder of a Rockcastle County woman.
Arturo Perez, 26, is accused of killing 54-year-old Famey Hellard, who owned The Glitter Box in Mount Vernon. Hellard was found dead inside the store on Sept. 29.
"It's a small town, and it doesn't happen very often, and there were people scared and nervous," said Mount Vernon police Chief Brian Carter, adding that this was his city's first murder investigation in nearly 30 years.
.@kystatepolice Trooper Scotty Pennington addresses the arrest of Arturo Perez. Perez confessed to the murder of Faney Hellard, Mt. Vernon business owner, last month. Detained in Lexington, transported to Rockcastle detention ctr. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/qrEoiB0DL8
— Michael Berk (@LEX18_Michael) October 21, 2020
Kentucky State Police, which assisted with the investigation, tell LEX 18 that Perez surrendered on Tuesday to Lexington police, who then detained him until Rockcastle County officials could transport him to Mount Vernon for Wednesday's arraignment.
Police said Perez confessed to the stabbing.
"Maybe he just felt overwhelmed with guilt or thought it was the right thing to do," said Trooper Scottie Pennington.
Pennington said Hellard's murder is a loss for the entire community.
"Ms. Hellard was a pillar in this community. She owned a local business, and she probably would've given this guy anything she had," Pennington said. "It's a shame that it happened in our small community."
Carter said he is glad the people of his small community can take a deep breath.
"We've put this guy where he needs to be. Hopefully, people can rest easier," he said.
