SUV Taken As Evidence In Norma Lopez Murder Case

Riverside County sheriff’s detectives served a search warrant and towed a green SUV in connection to the murder investigation of Moreno Valley teenager Norma Lopez, it was reported today.

Homicide detectives and forensics technicians searched a home on Pegasus Way, sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Borja said late Tuesday, a local newspaper reported.

A green SUV parked at the home — similar to a vehicle seen speeding from where Norma disappeared July 15 — was towed Tuesday afternoon.

“No arrests have been in connection to the homicide,” Borja told the Press-Enterprise.

The home on Pegasus is near Bay Avenue and Morrison Street, about three blocks from the field where authorities believe Norma was kidnapped July 15 while walking home from Valley View High School.

The only witness account was that a green SUV sped away from the area around 10 a.m. that day, about the time Norma would have been walking home from school.

Police found her belongings in the field and said there were signs of a struggle.

Norma’s body was discovered five days later in a remote field off Theodore Avenue, about two and a half miles to the east.

Homicide detectives said they believe Norma was abducted by a stranger and killed because nothing in her past pointed to any acquaintances as suspects.

For the past month, detectives have not released any details about the case, including suspect information or a cause of death. A check of nearly every sex offender in the area ruled out any suspects, detectives said.

The case drew national attention and prompted the community to rally together as parents grew concerned for their children’s safety.

Moreno Valley police have added extra patrols around schools, and community groups have banded together for neighborhood watch programs, the Press-Enterprise reported.

Moreno Valley police, whose services are provided by the Sheriff’s Department, are offering a $35,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in Norma’s death.

Anyone with information was urged to call a 24-hour hot line at 1-877- 242-4345 or e-mail here.