BALTIMORE — On Thursday, Baltimore Police announced multiple recent homicide arrests.
One of the suspects arrested is 39-year-old Martin Brooks, who's accused of shooting and killing Carmen Rodriguez inside her family grocery store in front of her children.
Last month, 29-year-old Terrence Peterson also turned himself into police in connection to Rodriguez's murder.
RELATED: Man charged with murdering woman in front of her children at family's deli
Rodriguez was killed three days before last Christmas while working in the store on N. Kenwood Avenue. Neighbhors said she was a staple of their Patterson Park Community.
"She was always there to say good morning so it's sad because the next generation will never get to see her friendly face and know who she was," said Shenee Jones.
Her murder sent neighbors into grief and put them on high alert.
"Something like steps away from our house really hits home," said Emily Rogers.
Now, with both men arrested, neighbors and family are breathing a sigh of relief.
"We've been hoping for that for a couple months now and she was such a wonderful person and so kind-hearted and very willing to help others and we are just very happy that the person was found," said Rogers. "It's scary knowing that the person who harmed her is still out there so we are very thankful that that person has now been found."
"It's such a relief that justice was served for her and she is able to rest in peace," said Jones.
The store she was shot in reopened last week under new management because his sister said none of Rodriguez's family could bear to go near it.
Following her murder, police released surveillance footage of the incident.
READ MORE: BPD releases video in murder of deli worker killed in front of children
In the video the suspects, now identified as Brooks and Peterson pull up outside of the store in a dark colored Honda.
Police say it's Peterson who first gets out from the drivers seat and goes into the store before leaving and getting back in the car.
Brooks then gets out of the front passenger side and enters the store wearing a mask.
Cameras inside catch him pulling out a handgun and aggressively reaching over the front counter.
Police believe Brooks was the shooter.
In addition to this arrest, Baltimore Police Commissioner Michael Harrison said they have made 20 homicide arrests so far this year; four within the last week.
"Every shooting. Every murder. Every violent crime that occurs in our city is unacceptable," said Harrison.
"Shootings and homicides can rock a community to its core. These incidents impact not only the loved ones of those struck by gunfire but also an entire neighborhood. My hope is that with theses arrests we can contribute to the healing of our neighborhoods," said Mayor Jack Young.
Court records show Peterson due in court on March 3 for an arraignment, while Brooks is scheduled for a March 10 preliminary hearing.
Each is charged with murder, armed robbery, and gun crimes.
