Car Wash Raises Money For Lopez Family

Several Moreno Valley auto clubs came together to help raise donations for the family of 17 year old Norma Lopez, who was abducted and killed last week.

The wash was organized by the Cali Style Car Club. It didn’t take long for cars to lineup and donations to start coming in. All proceeds went to the Lopez family.

Two Moreno Valley Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants also gave the family 15 percent of Saturday’s sales to the family.

Valley View High School principal Kristen Hunter recently talked with the family and gave them the donations people dropped off at her school.

“They’re such a close family and they have so much to give and they appreciate the community so much,” said Hunter.

Lopez’s death really hit home for many in Moreno Valley and all over the Southland. And parents like Santiago Diaz now can’t help but fear for their kids.

“Before we’d be able to walk around the park. My kids play around the park or just want to go for a walk and now it’s like we can’t. So now we pull together to show people don’t be afraid,” said Diaz, who also organized the car wash.

Norma disappeared July 15th on her way from Valley View High School. Her body found a five about 2 1/2 miles from where she was taken. Investigators won’t say how Norma died or if she was sexually assaulted.

According to Hunter, the school has added extra security before and after classes because the killer is still at large.

“We got real complacent for the last few years and felt real safe and you have to remember that you never know,” said Hunter.

“It’s horrible. He’s here someplace and I just hope they catch him,” said Mary Rodriguez, who’s children went to school with Lopez.

Diaz is working with the city to hold an annual children’s safety fair in honor of the teen. And Hunter wants to set up a scholarship in Lopez’s name.

“That way our kids know that the community we’re living in is a good community and that this that happened to Norma Lopez, it doesn’t erase from people’s hearts,” said Diaz.

A memory that won’t soon be forgotten, not while police continue to look for the killer.

A green sport utility vehicle was seen leaving the field where Norma was last seen alive. Sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Borja said investigators would still like to know who was in the vehicle — if nothing else than to rule out the occupants as suspects.

A $35,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for killing Norma. A bank account has been opened at Wells Fargo into which well-wishers can deposit funds to benefit the slain girl’s family. Donations can be made at any branch.

Anyone with information on the case was urged to call (877) 242-4345.