Their loved ones are devastated after it was discovered that their Southern California mother was stabbed to death in her apartment.
On March 21, Fontana police responded to a residence at Orchards Apartment Complex in Fontana around 3am.
Rachel Lopez, the 38-year-old mother of four, was found to be fatally stabbed and lying on the floor. Her roommate discovers the scary scene and calls the police.
Investigators say the murder suspect was reportedly identified as Luis Chavila, 43, a maintenance worker at the complex where Lopez was dating.
Lopez works in the front office of the complex, and she and Chavila reportedly were involved in a recurring relationship.
“From what I understand, he went into her apartment and killed her with a hatch hand,” said a family member who didn’t want to be identified. “It’s devastating, scary and sick.”
Rachel Lopez, the 38-year-old mother of four, can be seen in photos provided by the family. The suspect, Louis Chavila, 43, can be seen in an old 2007 reservation photo. (Fontana Police Station) Rachel Lopez lived in a three-storey unit at Orchards Apartment in Fontana. (KTLA) Friends and loved ones have created a memorial outside Rachel Lopez’s apartment to honor her. (KTLA) Friends and loved ones have created a memorial outside Rachel Lopez’s apartment to honor her. (KTLA)
Police also confirmed that Chavila had previously served in prison for 16 years for armed robbers. He was arrested at Moreno Valley later that day.
Nick, a man who is doing security nearby, said Lopez was one of the first residents to greet him, and she was always kind.
“She didn’t deserve what happened that night,” he told KTLA’s Shelby Nelson. “I wish there was someone who could help prevent that.”
Her family described Lopez as a loving mother who always smiles. She leaves four young children, ages 6-12.
“She cared for everyone and had a huge heart,” the family said.
A memorial was set up outside her apartment, honoring her young mother.
“We want justice for Rachel and her children,” her family said. “They lost their mother. She didn’t deserve to die like that.”
A spokesman for Orchards apartments issued the following statement:
“We are deeply saddened by Rachel’s loss and the presence of our thoughts and prayers with her family. We take the safety and happiness of our residents seriously and all our employees undergo thorough background checks.”
During the arrest hearing Wednesday, the suspect pleaded not guilty to murder. No further details have been made public as the case is under investigation.
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