Earlimart Man Convicted of Attempted Murder, Domestic Violence
On Friday, January 31, 2020, in Department 17 of the Tulare County Superior Court, South County Justice Center, jurors found Eddie Lopez, age 24, guilty of a series of violent crimes against family members.
Lopez’s crimes began in Earlimart on November 18, 2018, when he got into an argument with a family member over the use of a car. After threatening the family member with a knife, he was given the keys and left. The next day, Lopez, his wife, their infant child, and a friend began driving to northern California. During the trip, Lopez became increasingly angry with his wife and struck her with his hands and the butt of a revolver during their multiple stops.
Just north of Fresno, Lopez turned the car around and began the drive back to Earlimart. By this time, the victim had suffered multiple injuries including lacerations to her face, bruising, and a lost tooth. As a result of her injuries, she lost consciousness several times during the trip. Lopez also threatened to kill her and the friend if they went to the police. Once they arrived in Earlimart in the early morning of November 20, the victim attempted to escape the car, but Lopez grabbed her and continued to beat her. Lopez fled when he saw another car drive past. The victim was then able to flee and get medical attention. Lopez was taken into custody the following day.
Lopez was convicted of felony attempted murder, kidnapping, corporal injury of a spouse, assault with a deadly weapon, criminal threats, false imprisonment, carjacking, and misdemeanor battery. Many of the counts were enhanced with special allegations that a firearm was used and that great bodily injury was inflicted. At the time of the crimes, Lopez was on bail for unlawful intercourse with a person under the age of 18. Lopez pleaded guilty to that crime in June of 2019.
Sentencing is scheduled for March 3, 2020, in Superior Court where Lopez faces life in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Peter De Young of the Porterville Division and was investigated by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494