he lingered in a coma in the hospital. Just a day earlier, on Friday, Torrezs 19-year-old brother, Martin, stood in front of the store passing out the flyers as he had done every day since her disappearance. Sign up here for our free newsletters. After Cathy Torrez was murdered in 1994, Girl Scouts planted a tree to honor her. About Season 2: Despite also dating another woman, Lopez had apparently spoken of marrying Torrez. But they can't arrest him because they don't have probable cause. Please reload the page and try again. About Season 2: On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez didn't come home after working the evening shift in the photo department at Sav-On. Theres just a lot of emotion. Each season explores a different crime, beginning . Contact the writer: semery@ocregister.com. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon's fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. City Administrator Robert DAmato said the missing womans body was found in the locked trunk of the car. People from her family and the community send out search parties trying to find her. SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- The brother of a man convicted in the 1994 stabbing death of a Cal State Fullerton. Samuel Lopezs attorney, Lew Rosenblum, said he planned to argue that Javier Lopez was the lone culprit. And Sam Lopez cut her throat.. Cathy's ex-boyfriend Sam Lopez was found guilty in her murder case more than two decades later (Image via MediaNews Group/Getty . Rebecca Lavoie, host of "Crime Writers On," talks with Crime Beat host, Keith Sharon about podcasting, journalism and some of the best true. She worked hard. There were no fingerprints, no witnesses. And its not fair.. Ultimately, her desires were never realized as she passed away shortly after leaving work on that fateful day to meet with her boyfriend at a local Placentia, California, ice cream shop. 10.24.2019 What we had basically when the body was discovered on the 19th (of February) is what we still have, Placentia police spokeswoman Corinne Loomis said. Would justice ever be served? Yet, before the penalty was handed down, he made a surprise apology and acknowledged his role in his girlfriends murder for the first time. On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez didn't come home from work. Leaves no stone unturned. In this season, we will take you behind the scenes of the investigation, playing old interviews from cassette tapes taken from the 1994 police archives, conducting new interviews with people involved in the case and reporting new stories that have never been published. To Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, that tree only served one purpose. Season 2, Mom vs. Murderer, has a launch date. A week later, her body was discovered stabbed to death in the trunk of her own car. Garden Grove Woman Pleads Guilty to Managing Illegal Casinos, Police Arrest 24 During DUI Checkpoint in Riverside, Coroner IDs Man Who Jumped or Fell From Freeway Overpass, One Person Killed in Fiery Hacienda Heights Crash, Man Dies In Long Beach; Investigation Underway, Suspected DUI Driver Causes Three-Vehicle Crash on Interstate 215 in Murrieta, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. But they can't arrest him because they don't have probable cause. 10.31.2019 S2, Ep. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. For more than 20 years, her mother fought for justice. Sam, though, took his girlfriend to an unknown area, where an argument between the two led to murder. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Mass shooting leaves 3 women and 1 man dead in the Mojave Desert as detectives search for answers, Copenhagen mayor to Californias Danish Capital: Stop acting homophobic, Ryan Fellows is killed in a car crash while filming Street Outlaws. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. Jurors watched a video of Lopez from 1994, as the then-22-year-old waited in a police interview room. A former Placentia officer recalled seeing Lopez speeding down a street and blowing through a stop sign the night he went out with Torrez, and testified that the two appeared to be arguing, and she crying, as he walked up to the car to give them a ticket. About 10 minutes earlier, Torrez had called her mother from the store--located about a mile from her home--and indicated she would be home shortly, police and family have said. But her deafness isn't the most important part of her story. Cathy was dating Albert Rangel, who wanted more from the Sam Lopez takes Cathy on a date, Buelna, an anti-gang activist who never knew Torrez, has a gut feeling her killer is still in Placentia and that gangs were not involved. Taylor said patrol officers discovered Torrezs car sometime before 1:30 a.m. Saturday in a parking lot in front of medical offices at the Placentia-Linda Community Hospital medical complex, located in the 1300 block of North Rose Drive. Youll hear the ups and downs of writing a screenplay, and how it took more than 15 years for the movie Finding Steve McQueen to get made. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. DAmato said there are conflicting reports about how long the car was in the hospital parking lot. She has tried 72 trials and won 57 convictions without hearing a word of testimony. >> she was so upset. We use cookies to enhance your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve tailored ads. In the months before she died, Cathy was dating Albert Rangel, who wanted more from the relationship than Cathy could give him. relationship than Cathy could give him. However, court records indicate that their relationship had been riddled with issues for a while. Lopez remained stoic, staring straight ahead during the hearing, as he has for the entire trial. The Cathy Torrez murder investigation is dead. Very engaging storybinged it all in 1 night! On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Then they were told Richard Nixon had $30 million in dirty money stashed in Southern California and they set out to rip off the President. the evening shift in the photo department at Sav-On. All Rights reserved. Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy characterized the victim as an all-American girl who lived across the street from her accused killer, who was her high school sweetheart and whose sister, Tina, was married to his brother. The Placentia resident was an honor sociology student at Cal State Fullerton and had dreams of becoming a social worker one day. People from her family and the community send out search parties trying to find her. A full body orgasm at the L.A. Phil? A week later, her body was discovered in the trunk of her car. The story appears in 2003, and producers from film companies begin to call. Cathy Torrez was still alive when she was forced into the trunk of her car, where her body was found a week later. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Prosecutor in Cathy Torrez murder case: Jealousy led to murder, Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84, California fire chief: Prepare now for height of fire season delayed by record precipitation, Gov. served one purpose. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharons fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. Police Sgt. All that stands between Amil Dinsios crew and the Presidents secret stash are an alarm system, reinforced concrete and 500 locked safe deposit boxes. Crime Beat, Season 2 focuses on Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, and her extraordinary quest for justice. Inspiring, the youth in the story; intelligent driven, hard-working, loving, loyal and respectful. About a week before she was killed, Torrez went on a date with Lopez in which they twice encountered police, Murphy said. The victims arms showed signs of a struggle, according to DAmato, who said he had been briefed by police. He said Javier Lopezs DNA is mixed in blood found on the outside of the car; his left fingerprint was found on the trunk; and his DNA was also found on the victims top and sock. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Maurice Isaiah Torres died March 30, 2015, at a Bella Vista hospital. Orosco, Rangels grandmother, said Torrez was at the hospital the night before she disappeared. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Lopezs attorney, Lewis Rosenblum, claims that only Xavier Lopez is to blame for Torrezs death. Morbid is a true crime, creepy history and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist. In the months before she died, Cathy was dating Albert Rangel, who wanted more from the relationship than Cathy could give him. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. Xavier Lopez gave a final statement that proved truth still wasn't part of his defense strategy. A full body orgasm at the L.A. Phil? A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? His battles with the church arent over, How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! With dozens of family and friends in attendance, the closing statements were moved to a larger courtroom. Mary Bennett gets a job in the Placentia City Hall so she can be close to the office door of the Chief of Police. Find out the real story behind the biggest bank heist in American history, the burglary at the heart of the new movie Finding Steve McQueen., Southern California News Group: Keith Sharon, reporter for the Orange Count, 26 - S2, Ep. Murphy signaled he will argue that Lopez had the opportunity to commit the crime while with his cousin, Xavier Javier Lopez, that night. Weve got to keep it going. The letters were discovered after Cathy died. Cathy doesn't come home after working a shift at Sav-On. Getaway driver Harry Barber starts a new life and tries to live without attracting attention to himself. The body of 20-year-old honor student Cathy Torrez was found in the trunk of her car. After 13 years, police arrest four suspects in the murder of Cathy Torrez. She had been stabbed about 70 times. After 13 years, police arrest four suspects in the murder of Cathy Torrez. Skip to 9:40 to avoid those details. Rosenblum said much of the prosecutions evidence is based on hearsay, and told jurors that investigators did not find his clients DNA or prints on the victims car and made mistakes in the case. We reveal the content of 18 letters between Cathy and Sam. And for most of that time, the suspected murderer lived across the street. Times staff writers Leslie Berkman, Lynn Franey, Rene Lynch and Rebecca Trounson and Times correspondent Terry Spencer contributed to this report. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon's fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really h Rebecca Lavoie, host of "Crime Writers On," talks with Crime Beat host, Keith Sharon about podcasting, journalism and some of the best true. Although Sam Lopez was the primary suspect in Cathy Torrezs murder case from day one, he wasnt charged or arrested for it until the summer of 2007. Mary Bennett and Daron Wyatt can't seem to find anyone who cares. For more than 20 years, her mother fought for justice. Police finally find a fingerprint and some DNA evidence, but neither belongs to Sam Lopez. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. Thats all I can say., Jorge Bernal, a neighbor whose daughter used to walk to nearby Valencia High School with Torrez, said he held out hope to the end. Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon tells the true crime story of the pursuit of her killer. Sam Lopez takes Cathy on a date, and she comes home drugged with slashed tires and no panties. Her body was found a week later. 15 - S2, Ep. They said she was confused and uncertain about what to do, indicating that she loved Lopez, but didnt want to run away to get married. She worked hard for everything she had, said Tracy Comer, a 20-year-old Fullerton sophomore who met Torrez in a Spanish class. This is the biggest railroad I can imagine. Torrez called her mother Feb. 12 from the Sav-On drug store where she worked, giving no indication that anything was amiss. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon's fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. Was Cathy Torrez pregnant? Furthermore, records claim that Sam had suggested that the two elope and get married just days before, but Cathy was planning on saying no to the proposal as she wanted to have a proper wedding with all her friends and family involved. The prosecutor suggested Torrez had been drugged because there was little evidence she had downed less than two bottles of the wine cooler-like drink. It took 21 years for Mary's wish to come true: The man who lived across the street was convicted of Cathy's murder. Your email address will not be published. Crime Beat, Season 2 focuses on Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, and her extraordinary quest for justice. Its one of the bigger things, if not the biggest thing we have pending right now, but we dont know where it will take us, Loomis said. One of the witnesses makes an incredible revelation. Would justice ever be served? The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. And Crime Beat becomes the podcast the Nixon people dont want you to hear. Bonus episode: True Crime discussion with Rebecca Lavoie. Master thief Amil Dinsio loses his edge late in his career and his freedom. PLACENTIA Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez, whose baffling disappearance a week ago prompted her family to launch a communitywide search, was found dead in her car early. Mary Bennett and Daron Wyatt can't seem to find anyone who cares. According to the states Department of Corrections inmate records, he will become eligible for parole in March 2023. A day before their date, Torrez had gone out with Rangel, who had given her a hickey, Murphy said. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Police believe Sam Lopez is lying about his movements on the night Cathy disappeared. I skipped Eps 12 & 13 entirely. Rebecca Lavoie, host of "Crime Writers On," talks with Crime Beat host Keith Sharon about podcasting, journalism and some of the best true crime podcasts of all time. Murphy claimed that enraged Lopez. Skip to 9:40 to avoid those details. Our regular podcast, "Crime Beat," Season One: "Stealing Nixon's Millions" will continue as scheduled with Episode 5. 28 episodes, 1 ratings & reviews. Sound effects are wrecking it. Samuel Agustin Lopez, 43, is accused of fatally stabbing 20-year-old Cal State Fullerton student Cathy Torrez on Feb. 12, 1994. Abonnez-vous notre balado ou coutez-nous en direct sur lapplication iHeart Radio. Janine Madera was raped as a child, and she decided as a pre-teen that she was going to someday work to put criminals behind bars. The body of 20-year-old honor student Cathy Torrez was found in the trunk of her car. The next day, a Sunday, Torrezs older sister and her best friend both testified that Lopez had asked Torrez to elope. Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon tells the true crime story of the pursuit of her killer. The letters were discovered after Cathy died. People from her family and the community send out search parties trying to find her. Glenn Youngkin rules out presidential campaign while in California, Three killed in small plane crash near Big Bear airport, authorities say, 2 students stabbed near Los Angeles High; LAPD investigating, Bass budget proposal for Animal Services is far less than what department requested, Salmonella outbreak linked to Gold Medal flour reaches California. Skip to 9:40 to avoid those details. On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez didn't come home after working the evening shift in the photo department at Sav-On.

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