Family and Friends remember slain Chevy Chase couple

Friends and family packed the Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church on Chevy Chase Circle to pay tribute to Michael and Virginia Spevak. The service lasted more than two hours where friends remembered the couple for their extraordinary warmth and kindness.

Michael, 68, a prominent psychiatrist and Virginia, 67, a former school teacher, were found dead last Saturday night. The couple was supposed to host a party the night before and friends became alarmed when they didn't answer their door or return messages.

Police have arrested 27-year-old Piero Emanuel Fuentes Hernandez of Capitol Heights for the couple's murder. He is a native of El Salvador and is reportedly part of a gang called the Master Criminals.

Hernandez admitted to police that he went to the Spevak's house to rob them. According to court documents, the couple had been beaten and bound.

Police say Hernandez stole the couple's car and set it afire in an attempt to destroy evidence. At the time of his arrest, police found items belonging to the Spevak's in Hernandez's possession: including cellphones, computers and a personal digital device.

Police have also arrested 20-year-old Angela Hernandez of Northwest Washington as a second suspect in the couple's murder. Police say they are seeking a third suspect in the case.

Police say Angela Hernandez (who is not related to Piero) knew a former foster child that lived with the Spevaks. She allegedly pointed out the house to rob to the other suspects on the night of the Spevaks' murder.

Neighbors and friends say the couple will be remembered for their generosity and for giving back to the community. Friends also described the Spevaks as socially and environmentally conscious.

In the memorial service, the couple's son Eli read a letter he found that his mother wrote several years ago about wanting her children to live a fulfilling life. She also wrote about the happiness she felt over motherhood.

Friends lamented the unfairness and horrible circumstances of the Spevaks death Saturday. "They didn't deserve what happened to them," says a woman whose children were placed in foster care with the couple for two weeks. "They were good people and they had love in their hearts for people."

Over the years, the Spevaks opened their Northwest home to care for several foster children.

Friends say their enormous generosity left the couple vulnerable.

(Copyright 2008 by WTOP. All rights reserved.)