CA - Norma Lopez, 17, abducted & murdered, Moreno Valley, 15 July 2010 *Arrest*

[JerseyGirl]

Jury selection underway in trial of man accused of killing Moreno Valley teen – Press Enterprise

 

[JerseyGirl]

Jury seated for trial of man accused of kidnapping, killing Norma Lopez

 

[GraceG]

The forensic pathologist listed her cause of death as homicide in a news report published this week but the manner is unknown due to state of decomp. Witness: Teen was victim of homicide, but exact cause of death elusive

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

Where is the news on this? No updates to be found!

I'm updating the Norma Lopez Case Archive as there is anything to report about.
Norma Lopez -CA- by amanda reckonwith

 

[JerseyGirl]

The prosecution rested Wednesday, Feb. 20.

The defense is slated to open its case on March 4 at the Riverside County Hall of Justice in Riverside.

It is unknown whether Torres, who is being held without bail, will testify.

Prosecution rests in trial of man accused of killing Moreno Valley teen Norma Lopez – Press Enterprise

 

[JerseyGirl]

The defense is slated to open its case on March 4 at the Riverside Hall of Justice. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Bernard Schwartz instructed jurors to continue to adhere to his earlier admonition not to talk about the case, but otherwise freed them to do whatever they needed over the next nearly two weeks until testimony resumes.

Prosecution rests in trial of man accused of kidnapping, killing Moreno Valley teen

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

This is rich. Prosecution rested, Defense began yesterday. Their new tactic: Torres is "intellectually disabled".
Why? He cannot use a computer.
Yet, he downloaded .

The reason is so that he won't be sentenced to death, just life in prison.
Defense attorneys: Defendant in Moreno Valley murder case may be ‘intellectually disabled’ – Press Enterprise

 

[Fairy1]

Thank you, y'all, for bringing this forward! I've been checking for years for this trial to begin. So glad it's finally happening.

 

[Fairy1]

Slim but significant DNA evidence led investigators to suspect in Moreno Valley slaying of Norma Lopez – Press Enterprise

 

[JerseyGirl]

Final Arguments in MoVal Abduction-Murder Trial Postponed

With rebuttal testimony taking longer than expected, closing statements were postponed Thursday.

Jesse Perez Torres, 42, could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder and a special circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a kidnapping for the July 2010 death of Norma Angelica Lopez.

 

[Fairy1]

I have some concerns about this.....

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

Me too. He definitely won't be able to have a DP sentence imposed, imo.

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

Closing arguments are done. Jury is deliberating now.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Closing arguments wrap in Norma Lopez murder trial

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

GUILTY!!!!!!

Guilty verdict in Norma Lopez murder case in Moreno Valley – Press Enterprise

 

[Fairy1]

So happy to see this verdict!!! It's been a long time coming. I'll be happy with LWOP. Lock him up and throw away the key. No appeals.

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

The penalty phase is almost done. In his defense, Torres family members said he was the family leader, always there for them, etc, etc....
But when asked, they admitted they never visited him, but one sister had been there in 2011 and then this month.

Ugh. Throw away the key.

The jury was instructed to choose the DP or LWOP despite the governors "No Kill" policy. After all, he won't be governor forever.

Norma Lopez Case Archive:
Norma Lopez -CA- by amanda reckonwith

 

[AmandaReckonwith]

Jury recommends the Death Penalty!

 

[JoeFromLB]

Good!
It will take 40 years to execute him though. This is crazy California. The good thing is, he's not getting out of prison.

 

[iulia]

Judge Rules Mental Impairment Hearing Valid for Murderer of Moreno Valley Teen

During a pre-sentencing hearing Friday morning, Torres' attorneys presented motions arguing that the defendant is "intellectually disabled" and should receive an "Atkins hearing" to make a final determination.

[...]

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Bernard Schwartz ruled the defense should have an opportunity to present it case for deficiency, but not before a jury. Schwartz will hear the matter in a bench trial this summer. He set a June 21 status conference at the Riverside Hall of Justice to discuss scheduling and witnesses with the prosecution and defense.

The District Attorney's Office opposed the Atkins hearing and will argue that Torres is of sound mind, and hence eligible for a death sentence.

If Schwartz rules there is evidence of mental impairment, the default sentence for the defendant will be life in prison without the possibility of parole.