Estranged Husband Killed Wife and Attempted Suicide

Los Angeles: On Monday, December 2, 2002, at approximately 3:15 p.m., Van Nuys Area patrol officers responded to a shooting call in the 6800 block of Sepulveda Boulevard. Upon arrival at the location, the officers found two victims suffering from gunshot wounds to the upper torso.
 
The female victim, later identified as 26 year-old Beatris Florez, a resident of Van Nuys, had apparently been shot during a domestic violence dispute with her estranged husband, 28 year-old Pedro Lopez, who then turned the gun on himself.
 
Lopez was a resident of Santa Maria, California and had traveled to the crime location in an attempt to reconcile with Florez. Florez was pronounced dead at the scene by responding Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics. Lopez was transported to a local hospital where he remains in grave condition.
 
According to Florez’ family members and friends, Lopez was a very abusive husband who had beaten her on many occasions. The motive for the shooting has been classified as a domestic violence crime.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the Van Nuys Homicide Unit at 818-756-8377. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk,
1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.
 
This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.