What:
Press Conference

When:
December 19, 2002, at 1:00 p.m.

Where:
Van Nuys Community Police Station, 6240 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys

Los Angeles: On Monday, December 2, 2002, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Van Nuys Area officers responded to a domestic violence/shots fired radio call. It was subsequently determined that during a domestic violence incident, the husband, 28 year-old Pedro Lopez, shot his wife, 26 year-old Beatriz Florez, numerous times, killing her. He then turned the gun upon himself. He died several days later at the hospital. The murder/suicide occurred in the presence of the couples’ 9 nine year-old and four year-old daughters, Stephanie and Beatriz Lopez.

All Van Nuys Patrol officers and detectives who responded were deeply saddened by what had occurred. Sergeant Ernest Jimenez and Senior Lead Officer Jose Verdin initiated the concept of forming a college trust fund for the two surviving children. Through the efforts of Assistant Vice President Yolanda Petroski of First State Bank, a trust fund was established.

The First State Bank is located at 10820 Zelzah Avenue in Granada Hills,
818-366-2188.

Stephanie and Beatriz Lopez will attend the press conference, as well as a representative from First State Bank. Due to expected inclement weather, it is anticipated the event will take place in the Van Nuys Police Station lobby.

For further information, contact Sergeant Ernest R. Jimenez, Van Nuys Senior Lead Officer Coordinator, at 818-756-9485.

Thisd media Advisory was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.