Overview
Alveta “Penny” Hopkins was murdered after cooperating with federal investigators in the case against Alberto “Alpo” Martinez. Her death became one of the homicide and witness-retaliation components of the federal prosecution surrounding Wayne Perry’s organization.
Federal Case
The government’s death-penalty notice against Perry identified Count Thirteen as the murder of Alveta Hopkins. In 1994, Tyrone LaSalle Price pleaded guilty to murdering Hopkins and to retaliating against a federal witness.
Investigative Significance
The Hopkins killing is important because it demonstrates that the Martinez/Perry investigation involved not only trafficking and disputes among dealers but also violence directed at people believed to be cooperating with authorities.
Evidence Status
A/B. Supported by federal prosecution records and contemporary reporting.