5 charged with murder of Annapolis woman missing since June

Five people are facing charges for the murder of a missing 21-year-old woman from Anne Arundel County.

Court documents show 22-year-old Francisco Ramirez-Pena, 25-year-old Darvin Guerra-Zacarias, 18-year-old Brenda Argueta, 19-year-old Ronald Adonay Mendez-Sosa and 18-year-old Ervin Figuero have been charged with first-degree and second-degree murder.

The five suspects are accused of killing Jenni Rivera Lopez, whose body was located in a secret grave in Crownsville on Sept. 20. The 21-year-old Annapolis woman had been reported missing back in June.

According to charging documents, an unnamed source told police that Rivera Lopez was picked up by the suspects in an arranged meeting on June 24. However, authorities say the meeting was "a ruse to abduct and murder" the victim. The source said the suspects drove Rivera Lopez to a wooded area near the intersection of Chesterfield Road and Hawkins Road in Crownsville where she was beaten to death and later buried.

RELATED: Multiple arrests made in Anne Arundel County after 3 bodies found in gang-related murders

Last week, Anne Arundel County police held a news conference to announce that multiple people were arrested in connection to three-gang related murders after their bodies were found.

The police chief did not provide details on the victims, the names of the suspects or where the bodies were found - citing that it was an ongoing investigation and others may be put in danger. Police also did not identify which gang was involved in the killings.

It is unknown if Rivera Lopez was one of the three victims associated with last week's news conference or if it is a separate case.

Anne Arundel County announced nearly two weeks ago that a new task force was being formed between the county's top officers, the FBI and state leaders to combat gang members.

RELATED: Anne Arundel County targeting violent gangs with new task force