Homicide Report > Rocky Lopez, 46 [Updated]
Rocky Lopez, 46 [Updated]
Died March 23, 2010
Rocky Lopez, a 46-year-old Latino, died Tuesday, March 23, in the 2800 block of West Pico Boulevard in Pico-Union, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.
Authorities said Lopez and another person, later identified as his 19-year-old son, Ulices, were run over by a car about 4:15 p.m. in an apparent gang-related attack. When police arrived, they found the victims in the street, said LAPD spokesman Bruce Borihanh.
Both victims were taken to a hospital, where Lopez was pronounced dead. His son suffered from trauma to the head following the incident, but has since been released from the hospital.
The same day of the attack, authorities made two arrests in connection with the case — Erik Molina, a 28-year-old Latino, and Jesus Espinosa, a 27-year-old Latino.
Molina and Espinosa were charged with one count of murder and one count of attempted murder in connection with the death and assault of Rocky and Ulices Lopez, said a spokesman from the district attorney's office. Molina also has been charged with one count of murder in the death of Ryan O'Connell, 29, who was shot to death Saturday, March 13, in the 1500 block of West 12th Place in Pico-Union.
Ed Winter, a spokesman for the coroner's office, said a final determination of Lopez's cause of death has been deferred. Results will not be available for another six to eight weeks.
[Updated Feb. 28, 2011: Coroner's officials said Lopez's death has been ruled a homicide. He died from multiple blunt-force injuries after being struck by a vehicle.
Molina and Espinosa are being held without bail at the North County Correctional Facility in Castaic. They are scheduled to appear March 28 in Los Angeles Municipal Court.]
— Kate Linthicum and Sarah Ardalani
- Neighborhood: Pico-Union
- Age: 46
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Blunt force
- Day of the week: Tuesday
- Agency: LAPDO
- Race/Ethnicity: Latino
Related homicides:
33 reader comments about Rocky Lopez
THIS WAS MY FATHER AND HE IS MY HERO. THE MOST PRECIOUS PERSON IN THE WORLD AND WARM HEARTED.I LOVE MY DAD AND HE IS FOREVER WATCHING OVER ME.I LOVE HIM.HE HELPED EVERYONE. HE WAS JUST A GREAT FATHER,HUSBAND,GRANDFATHER,BROTHER,UNCLE,SON AND MORE.MUAHZZ DADDY
March 31, 2010 at 8:11 p.m.
i just pray to god they got the right people,sometime the police is quick to do an arrest that it get's the wrong person while the real criminal is at large like if nothing happen.....
April 1, 2010 at 5:12 p.m.
Good job LAPD!
I pray the detectives can tie a lot of this gangsters associates to the crime and get a lot of them off the streets.
April 1, 2010 at 8:11 p.m.
They say that when someone passes to the next life we tend to say "He was so nice" or "He was such a special man." I want to let you know that Rocky was a very Special Man. He was a true friend. He was a very motivated man who didn't want anything less then what he provided to not only his immediate family, but everyone he loved and cared for. Rocky as a young Teen dreamed of having all that he was restricted from, he lived with limitations along with his family. The struggle to survive was not a choice. Little by little everyone took their own path. Rocky met his wonderful wife and at this point, all Rocky thought of was to offer his wife and kids a home, his family grew and Rocky was determined to give his family everything possible. I did not speak to Rocky often, but when we did, it was simply a very exciting tone in his voice when you would hear him speak about his children. He was so proud of each one. He was a very lucky man to have met such a special woman to be his wife and partner until his last day. She was the perfect woman for Rocky. God makes no mistake and although it left us with a tremendous void, he called Rocky to be with him in a better place. I know he is looking down at us with that warm tender look in his eyes and that smile he always gave everyone. I am confident that we will all see him again some day and that he will be there to greet us. Rocky has left his
children to remind us of him. He will continue to live through each one of them. Let us all stay close to his wife and kids and let us always provide the support, the warmth and the love that he gave all of us. The best way to thank Rocky for all he was to each one of us and what he did in this life, is by not forgetting his family who he adored. Let's keep them in our hearts and in our minds forever. I ask those who knew Rocky to say a prayer for him every night before going to bed. He believed in God and Our Virgen De Guadalupe with all his heart. Please, pray for him. I know that we all have a story to tell if you knew him, and most likely it will be something he did for someone because he always helped others and he always put others before him.
God, thank you for giving me the opportunity to have met Rocky. He will forever live in our hearts.
We have an Angel named "Rocky" watching over us now. I am certain he is with his Grandma and Mom who he dearly missed.
April 2, 2010 at 5:56 p.m.
Why don"t we have hi on Youtube so we can comment and remember his cool face. loved that man.
April 10, 2010 at 4:16 p.m.
First thing I would like to say is,my dearest sympathy for all of Rocky's family.I too will miss this good man I once met and even invited me to his home and help me when I needed his help, becouse of that I really apreciate this man and my sincere respect for him and his whole family.I would also want to thank Rocky's family for having me over his funneral and burial along with the banquet that was given for him.It was an honor.May he watch over his family from the heavens and God bless everyone Muchisimas gracias a toda la familia de Roco.Rocky may you rest in peace.Your comarad Art
April 12, 2010 at 2:29 a.m.
Word is he was hanging with a gang. "Harpys"
Is this true? people tell me that his funeral was full of gang bangers. why be in a gang at age 44. I was going to write a story but when I went to the wake I change my mind.
April 22, 2010 at 9:04 a.m.
Photographer, interesting observation.
The total opposite of what people make him out to be.
April 22, 2010 at 1:17 p.m.
Rocky was a good true friend if u needed money a roof over your head anyting he was a hand ready to help more than a family member would at times.he will allways live in my heart no matter what hope lil Rocky comes home soon
April 29, 2010 at 3:37 p.m.
I thought the video from the wake was going to be on Youtube. Under what?
May 6, 2010 at 6:31 p.m.
It was not a video, it was a slide of pictures. Hoping that someone who has old and new pictures will put a slide or something on Youtube to comment there and not here.
May 7, 2010 at 7:14 p.m.
Photographer,
Why do you judge? You still have a log way to go to learn your profession.
July 13, 2010 at 3:25 p.m.
Dear GOD please forgive Rocky for any pain that he might of caused to anyone here on earth. Have Mercy on his soul. May your heart be softened dear Lord, recieving your son Rocky Lopez with opened arms so that together he may be guided by you into the gates of Heaven. Amen! .....Rocky I know you can hear me.... pray for your family....and don't forget to pray for me ;) see you soon my friend......Miss U!
July 21, 2010 at 8:57 a.m.
— Friend
That was a touching post! We all make mistakes as kids! Only people that knew him know whether he was still involved in a dangerous lifestyle. Sad he did not move the family out of that area.. punk gangsters don't care if you've changed ur ways. As you know they are not the best judge of character! Simply being in a certain area targets you sometimes!
July 21, 2010 at 2:25 p.m.
Wow it's sad to see that people are so quick to judge!. @ Photographer, you say you changed your mind on doing a story after you witnessed the gathering, why not have done the story, you may have learned something about this man and his changed ways. Maybe he was a gangster, but it sounds like he was a gangster with a big heart. I didn't know him or anyone in his family but I myself have some straight thugs in my family (just like most of you on here) but it doesn't mean they deserve to be killed!; And for some body to have such little regard for a human life and run them down in the street like road kill is just evil. @syscom3 b4 you comment "Yes I am aware that SOME gangster's kill and do a bunch of other idiotic *ish, but not all of them are the same.
July 23, 2010 at 3:17 p.m.
"but it sounds like he was a gangster with a big heart."
Just like the difference between a good nazi and a bad nazi? Maybe a gangster with a good heart is someone who will shoot you with a smile?
"I didn't know him or anyone in his family but I myself have some straight thugs in my family (just like most of you on here)"
No, the majority of people in the world do not have thugs or criminals in their families. Do you really believe what you just wrote?
July 23, 2010 at 3:45 p.m.
I miss you Rocky!!!!!! :.( I still can't believe your gone. My days are sadden by your absence. But I pray that one day we will meet again in heaven. No te olvides de mi balboa..... Dear wife, so sorry for everything...may La Virgen de Guadalupe in which Rocky believed in so much...be always with you to comfort you in your pain and lonely times..... God bless you,your boys,daughter and grandkids.May you find your refuge in God always........
With lots of love from someone who cared and continues to care for a great
man thats departed from this world and is eagerly waiting for us.....
Sept. 23, 2010 at 4:26 p.m.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROCKY!!!!!!!!!!!
I find myself thinking about you now and then,still can't beleive your gone.
Feb. 22, 2011 at 2:37 p.m.
Missing you more than ever....
Life is so much harder not having you around . I cant believe you are not here to support us at this time of need. I miss you so much and the fact that you are gone makes everything worser. How I wish you were here right now. Having you around always made everthing better. I know you are watching over all of us, especially your kids.
April 9, 2011 at 5:40 p.m.
Rocky why did you had to leave us? I just don't know what to tell our son Coco anymore, when he tells me..."mom let's go see my daddy Rocky to the office.." I guess sometimes he forgets that your in heaven taking care of us. He's already 5yrs old and is terrible that your not here with us. I know that our son dreams with you, because sometimes when he wakes up, he tells me. "mom I saw my dad and he was playing and was kissing me too much... making that funny face when you used to hug him and kiss him...... we miss you alot and we think about you day and night.
Love You Always & Forever
Alma and your son Coco:(
April 30, 2011 at 1:55 p.m.
Alma, I'm not sure if you were the woman I saw at the cemetery, crying and on the side, in the shadow. If it was you I want you to know that I feel bad that you were in the situation you were in. Perhaps you did not know that Rocky was a married man. Perhaps you did...we are no one to judge. Rocky is no longer with us and he left his wife with a lot of pain not only due to her loss but for all the unknown. I hope that you Ladies realize that no one is at fault and there are kids involved who are related.
May 14, 2011 at 5:46 p.m.
Alma i saw you crying at the cemetery maybe it was you long kind curly black hair with another woman no son you left fast because i a lot of people knew who you are.
i felt bad for his wife and for you I know Rockys girlfriend from hi school "L" was there and ncot sure if its true but i was told she talk to Rockys wife "M" and asked if it was okay to be at funeral and his wife okay it. i told her if she say ok. dont worry and stay with don "P" or "J" or me and my wife.she told me lot a cool stories bout Rocky when they were young ,,,,,,,,,"L' if you read this im going to call you to read this pleese write stories pleese that is wht evertone should do put stories down no one will judge. rocky was a very good man no matta what.Yes his wife was left with pain but also with a lot of things that came out. nothing can change anyones life now. we all saw how many people love him all kinds of people. does anyone remembe any stories. Wife we respect you very much always. write stories of him.god bless everyone.
May 27, 2011 at 1:03 a.m.
I was not allowed to see Rocky at the funeral for the last time eventhough I had my son with me we were asked to leave for respect for the family and wife. We were kicked out of the cemetary as well, but hey No hard feelings, because I know that Rocky knew we were there and thank you to everyone that knew Me and gave me support and strenght to always keep my head up and never look down... I just want everyone to know that I did Love that men and I never disrespected his family for 12years I was with him in good and badtimes.. He was the kind of men that he would take off his shirt and give his food to a person who was in need. He used to love mariscos and the way he would dance was unique... Up to this day it seens like yesterday when he had that smile on his face like if he was an innocent cabron that wouldnt break a plate. There are thousands or maybe millions of stories to say about him. That there is not enough space here to write them... But as soon as my book is finished I personally will give a copy to whoever would like oNe.. But until then, Best Wishes to everybody and my respect always for his wife and kids...
May 31, 2011 at 4:14 a.m.
Alma, It's difficult for everyone but most of all for your son as he is so little and he does not understand what happened or where his daddy is? He can imagine from what you tell him, but we can only imagine how hard it has to be for everyone...I had mixed emotions when I saw you but I put myself in the wives place, then I put myself in your place it's so difficult...how can I find you on facebook or how can I find you without leaving any of my info here?
June 22, 2011 at 3:48 p.m.
Alma,
as a woman I find your postings to be so sad, not only for you but your son. You made decisions for your life and that's fine but the moment you decided to bring a child into this mess you had a responsiblity first of all not to do that but you had a responsility to make sure your child was not exposed to this! What the heck did you tell your child...dad fooled around? He has another family? How does one even start that conversation? As for not disrespecting Mr. Lopez's family...you did that the whole 12 years you were together. You not only disrespected him but to show up at his funeral when you knew that he was married and that you had no right to be there...all I can say is that the real Mrs. Lopez and her children showed you a whole lot of respect by allowing you to leave the funeral walking rather then crawling out with your tail between your legs. Because say what you might on this site you knew that you were the other woman and just by that virtue alone puts you in a position of not having any rights to him and all the other parts of his life that he did not share with you. But the bottom line in this is how sad I feel for you. You lived 12 years of your life very happy to be the other woman. Never realizing that he played you. Oh sure you got his a few days here and there and always got a phone call that he managed to hide behind his WIFE's back. I feel so sorry for your young son. He is the one that ends up being put right in the middle of this.
June 24, 2011 at 12:10 a.m.
Dear Rocky, I know that no matter how many times I call you or swing by , you won't answer or be their. Till this day I pray for you every day. You know Rocky... I pray that you are reunited with our child that would of been 11. I pray and ask our child Angel to pray for me so that I too one day will make it to heaven. Missing you :( till we meet again!
July 4, 2011 at 2:13 a.m.
I miss you!!! Rocky may you have internal rest....Still can't belive your gone....ah Rocky.......
Aug. 24, 2011 at 3:53 p.m.
Rocky, Thank you for opening my eyes and tell me go to college do something with your life this game is not for you! He set me free, And i always respected and his kids and specially his wife, She will always make sure rocky was doing good. Wonder what happen to Raymond rocky always mess with him ja ja i have so many great memories with rocky he was funny, and happy always have food in the table. Those guys who did this to him that's it for them it's not over it keeps on karma will come back to their family and worse for what they have cause rocky, i remember rocky once told me i feel like my days are getting shorter and i as a joke told him it's the beer talking he felt close to those days but i always change the conversation he was a great man! his kids will do anything for him and his family. The house was always full of happiness and i bet they felt protected when he will always go home. He will always say gotta go to my family. always leave us that drunky man raymond lol. REST IN PEACE ROCKY!.
Sept. 22, 2011 at 3:14 p.m.
Love you always!!!!
Oct. 10, 2011 at 11:19 p.m.
Rocky.....
2 years ago you left me and your son coco in this world, but not in our hearts.... i try my best to keep your memory alive each day that passes by... te necesito como no te imaginas... aunque yoce ke nos estas cuidando desde el cielo te necesito aki junto a nosotros... rest in peace my love,,,, tu siempre seras mi amor eterno....
March 23, 2012 at 5:27 a.m.
Gangbangers showing a elder love. So be it. Live by the sword and you sometimes die by the sword (or get ran over by a car). He must've been a alright dude. Peace.
March 23, 2012 at 3:25 p.m.
First I wanted to say I thank god everyday of my life for letting me have the opportunity to have a wonderful dad like ROCKY LOPEZ!!! Another thing, I cant believe there's actually people who would comment something so harsh about someones death.. don't be so stupid remember everyone has a father, put your selfs in our position..or comment about my father having another kid......pleeeeaaaseee.. My dad only has 4 beautiful kids 2 girls & 2 boys..that's all......just because my dad was nice enough to give u money and help you with ur kid does not make my dad anything to you or your kid..go find the dad..so everyone should know my dad would give a helping hand to anyone..& to that writer dude what makes you think we want you to write a story about my father.. also to those two IN JAIL I hope the worst for you. A CAR??ARE YOU SERIOUS??& I HOPE CARMA COMES BACK & BITE Y'ALL IN THE BUTT..I HOPE U ROTTEN IN THAT CELL..ANY ?S THERE'S MY EMAIL...
April 8, 2012 at 7:21 p.m.
Me das lastima.. como se lo distes a mi papa.. u say u were with my dad for 12 years.. did u forget to take ur meds.. u were nothing to my dad but a skonkita with a child with no where to go, my dad wasn't about to let u go sell or risk ur life.. so he helped u. Once again friendly reminder he only has 2 girls and 2 boys...a father is a person who protects you and gives his life for his kids, or tells u every night and day that he loves you and everything he does is for he's 4 kids to have a better future. Trust me he would of told everyone about this so called "coco" he did when he had me he told the real mrs.lopez that he had another daughter and is when she took me in at age 7, my dad loved his kids. Don't lie to ur son just makes u a worser person.. &nm u need to stop saying u have respect for mrs.lopez u sound so pathetic and ridicilous. How can u say I loved that man this and that and then say but have respect for the wife.. u were not even the other woman not even close to being a sancha..just remember u say u were with my dad for twelve years but yet he was home everyday by five in the afternoon.. he came home every day to his family giving us the cash buying us cars buying his grandkids
everything, after all my dad warned us about u.. said that was not his kid..& to ur lying ass friends here supporting ur crazy ass they are nothing but bad friends, how can u tell bur friend to still be in love with a man that died loving his real family, best believe I would of told ur ass off if I. Haven't had arrived ten minutes after u left. U r nothing buy a pyscho...get ur own life or maybe you should go find ur sons real father..think back,,try to remember who the real father is, the truth comes out in the light, to bad my dad died with his four kids faces and names tatted on him. Coco was nothing to my dad. I feel sorry for u & I don't even know u. Sad how people can feel pity for u...
April 8, 2012 at 8:02 p.m.
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