July 12, 2007

Arrest in Torrez murder
Thirteen years later, police use advances in forensic science.

The killing of a young woman 13 years ago forged a bond among a family, a police department and a city that kept her memory alive and her case on the front burner.

Friday morning, aided by forensic evidence made possible by technical advances, the Placentia Police Department apprehended three men in the slaying of Cal State Fullerton student Cathy Torrez, whose stabbed body was found in the trunk of her car.

Arrested on suspicion of murder were her former boyfriend Sam Lopez, 35, and his cousin, Xavier Lopez, 35, both of Placentia. Sam Lopez’s brother, Armando Lopez, 36, was arrested on suspicion of dissuading witnesses to testify and of being an accessory to murder.

Sam and Xavier Lopez appeared for an arraignment on Monday. The judged denied the men bail and continued the proceeding to 8 a.m. Aug. 3 in Santa Ana.

The judge continued the arraignment because Armando Lopez posted $500,000 bail and was assigned to appear on that date.