Family speaks out after woman shot, killed in Lorain

LORAIN, Ohio (WOIO) - After a chase, police arrested a man Tuesday in connection to the homicide of a 25-year-old woman.

Police found bystanders performing first aid on Lupita Rivera-Lopez, who was found with multiple gunshot wounds near 31st St. and Pearl Ave. late at night, according to a release.

The bystanders informed police the suspect’s vehicle was near E. 21st Street and Access Drive in Lorain.

When police tried to pull over Dale Cantu, of Lorain, he fled on foot with a handgun, according to the release.

Police caught up with Cantu and arrested him. The release says they also recovered his weapon.

Despite life-saving efforts, Rivera-Lopez was later pronounced dead at Lorain Mercy Hospital.

19 News sat down with Edith Lopez, the mother of Rivera-Lopez.

She cried as she watched her favorite video of her daughter singing and dancing.

“She was really into making YouTube videos and dancing and giving people advice on things, on relationships and all that,” said Lopez. “She was very giving and had a gold heart. She always helped everybody.”

The victim’s mother says an argument led up to the shooting.

“There was a big argument. He started calling out of her name. She slapped him a couple of times,” said Lopez. “He took out the gun, shot at the ground, and then he pulled up the gun and started shooting her. He deserves everything coming to him, and I hope the courts throw the book at him. He took my baby away and I want justice,” Lopez said.

Police charged Cantu with murder and additional obstruction and weapons charges, according to the release.

They also released this statement:

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help the victim’s family cover the costs of her funeral.