Richard Lopez, 17

Richard Lopez, a 17-year-old Latino youth, was mortally wounded after he was shot in the head at Aldgate Avenue and Blackwood Street in La Puente about 9:40 p.m. Sunday, March 23. Lopez was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 25. According to Sgt. Craigh Ditsch of the L.A. County sheriff's homicide bureau, Lopez was walking home when gang members looking for rivals in the area approached Lopez and shot him. Louis Bachicha, 19, a Latino man, and Michael Montano, 20, a Latino man, were later arrested on suspicion of murdering Lopez.

Ditsch said Lopez was not affiliated with any gangs and that he had been enrolled in the Sheriff's Explorers program at Bassett High School in La Puente. Press-Telegram reports. 

Comments

[Julie]

It has been a little over 4 months now since my little brother was taken from us..I want to thank all who have been a wonderful support to our family! There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about my little brother and miss him terribly And to those out there who have nothing nice to say about this situation,..please just do not say anything at all! I just pray that this never happens to you or your family..because this is not something I would want anyone to have to go through..once again thank you for all the support.

[L.b]

Im so sorry that this had to happend to th Lopez family theres so many victims of murder and that just makes me so mad because nobody should have to die like that. It sucks that Richard had to die like that he seemed like a great person even thought I never had a chance to speak to him I always seen him around I attended school with him for a few years when we were younger and was shocked to learn that he too had to be killed.My prayers to the Lopez family. R.I.P to Richard Lopez and also Edwin Sanchez who also was a victim of murder at a young age.

[bobby]

sorry im so late 2 write a comment but i bin so sad about ur lost we all miss him he was a bright youmg man he loved every one around him with his big smile and how he always road around on his bike we all miss him but more we love him even tho he up in the in the sky we still have him in our hearts in loveing meory richard lopez 2008
from bobby

[pGirl]

Rest In Peace Richard. Everybody at Lp that knew you is really missing you. Hope you're riding your bike in heaven now with that big smile on your face.

[Julie]

This was NOT in La Puente...this was in unincorporated Los Angeles County. It doesn't matter to Richard Lopez--a good guy dead in the street--but this murder did not occur in La Puente. The city has always worked hard to reduce violence in La Puente, but all the murders and gang violence AROUND La Puente always gets 'credited' to the city when most of the violence occurs in the nearby county areas known as "La Puente".

The unincorporated county areas are not policed at a level anywhere approaching what La Puente pays for in terms of officers and units for law enforcement IN THE CITY.
Posted by: DavidLasher | April 02, 2008 at 09:49 AM

Does it really matter what city it was! My Brother was taken from us way too soon! And yet all you can think about is that it is tarnishing the city if La Puente!? Get over it!

[Anonymus]

I saw everything and me and my 6 year old daughter were almost shot driving by. I dont know the boy but It was so dark that all i saw was him fall of his bike. I am hope that they caught the right kids, they deserve to be in jail. I think that drugs or jealousy or just wanting that fame in their gang life brings teens to commit crimes. My heart as a Nurse goes out to Richard's Family and friends. I thank god me and my 6 year old were not killed. I hope god blesses the lopez family in this time of loss. RIP richard you will always be remembered............................
_ anonymus

[someone]

maybe these guys didnt kill them it says they are put under suspision not every one is a bad person maybe they just happened to be in that spot

[Santa]

I'm sorry Mr & Mrs Lopez for this great loss,
Richard has always been a good boy since he was a little boy, He now rests in peace and will always remain in our hearts.Our prayers go out to you and your family.

Santa Gloria

[angie]

R.I.P RICHARD YOU WERE ALWAYS A GOOD GENTLEMAN AND YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN I AM SORRY FOR HIS FAMILYS LOSS AND I JUST WANT THEM TO KNOW THAT THEY RAISED A GOOD KID AND HE WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED BY MANNY PEOPLE FAMILY AND FREINDS........R.I.P ALWAYS MISSED RICHARD///////////////

[Abigail Sanchez]

So sorry for your loss. I too lost my brother to this kind of senselss violence. I found myself asking which would hurt more...to be the parents & loved ones of the victim, or the parents & loved ones of the murderer. Don't these individuals think about how much heartache they cause to their own as well as to the victim. So much heartache!

[DavidLasher]

This was NOT in La Puente...this was in unincorporated Los Angeles County. It doesn't matter to Richard Lopez--a good guy dead in the street--but this murder did not occur in La Puente. The city has always worked hard to reduce violence in La Puente, but all the murders and gang violence AROUND La Puente always gets 'credited' to the city when most of the violence occurs in the nearby county areas known as "La Puente".

The unincorporated county areas are not policed at a level anywhere approaching what La Puente pays for in terms of officers and units for law enforcement IN THE CITY.

A simple check of a map would show that Mr. Lopez was not murdered in La Puente. His death is a sad, angry tragedy. When are the politicians and the people going to OUTLAW GANGS--PERIOD. NOT just their violence, but there very existence! Anyone with proven gang 'membership'---straight to prison! And if they are in the country illegally---straight to prison then deportation!

[MEWHO]

it use to be a racial thing that the latinos we'er taking the blacks out but now they seem to be turning their backs on their own now. but us as a human race need to know that we all bleed the same color blood RED. what did this young man do for you to seek him out. like the report says they were out looking for rival gang memebers. to the family if it had not been your love one it was going to be someone you feel me. my condolenses go out ot your family but please have in your maybe not now but down the road to be able to have forgiveness in you heart for these two young men that committed this murder. and to the murders family prayer is what you need in family for your love ones because you too have now lost them to the system that we descent people have to pay for and house for free. MAY GOD BLESS OUR CITY TOO HELP TAKE AND HEAL THIS HATRED THAT IS AMONG US>