Alleged killer in Atlantic City knife attack appears in court

The Ventnor man accused of a brutal knife attack that killed a woman appeared in court via video Tuesday. Jose Lopez, 51, is accused of fatally attacking Bessy Blanco, 54, inside her Atlantic City home on North Harrisburg Avenue. Mark Richart, 52, of Quakertown, Pa., was also injured. He gave police a statement, according to information given in court. The names had not been released publicly before the court appearance. https://youtu.be/RGA4JbtVwBI Acting Atlantic County Prosecutor Diane Ruberton has not commented on the relationship between the suspect and either victim, but Lopez indicated during the brief appearance that he had lived at the home with the woman at one time. Family indicated he was a former boyfriend who continued to harass the victim. Evidence includes phone calls, texts and recorded statements, punlocked defender Ray Lee told the judge, requesting that information be turned over to the defense. In response, Assistant Prosecutor Rick McKelvey handed Lee a 25-page packet. Lee then asked that any recorded statements also be turned over. A detention hearing is expected later this week to hold Lopez. Blanco's family filled the courtroom, and had a Spanish interpreter.