Moreno Valley Vigil Honors Norma Lopez
Norma Lopez was murdered on her walk from school, and Friday marked the one-year anniversary of the teen’s kidnapping.
Members of the Moreno Valley community gathered to remember her life.
Heart-shaped cards handcrafted with thoughts and prayers honoring victims of crime hung on a tree.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving delivered a speech, talking about the pain caused by crime.
Dozens also wore buttons that said “Norma’s pledge, never again.”
“We haven’t gotten any answers,” said Jorge Olmos, a former classmate. “It’s been a year, and they haven’t said anything (about) what happened.”
“He’s out there,” said Sonia Preciado, a Lopez family friend. “I mean, he could be lurking right here. He could be with us right here, and we have no clue.”
White doves were then released into the sky — an emotional moment for Preciado, who knew Lopez personally.
“It’s very hard,” she said.
Preciado’s son, Jesus, is dating Lopez’s sister.
“It took time to for it to get better, but we pulled through,” said Jesus Preciado. “We’re still holding strong.”
As darkness fell, former classmates, neighbors and crime victims by the dozens made the walk, as one, from the Stoneridge Town Centre in Moreno Valley.
Last year, the community walked from Valley View High School to the site where Lopez was taken and eventually found dead.
This year, they walked to the school and back, with a police escort and heavy hearts.
“I’m just going to be thinking — what happened?” said Olmos.
