News Summary
Francisco Javier Lopez has been convicted for kidnapping and raping a 6-year-old girl in Santa Ana, aided by significant advancements in DNA evidence. His conviction followed a decade-long investigation, highlighting the crucial role of forensic science in identifying suspects in child assault cases. Lopez is set to be sentenced on October 9, underlining the serious nature of his offenses against a minor.
Santa Ana – Francisco Javier Lopez, a 51-year-old man, has been convicted of kidnapping and raping a 6-year-old girl in Santa Ana in 2012, with the recent breakthrough in DNA evidence playing a crucial role in securing the conviction. A jury found Lopez guilty on several felony charges, including kidnapping to commit rape, four counts of oral copulation or sexual penetration with a child aged 10 or younger, and five counts of forcible lewd acts on a child.
The case, which had remained unresolved for over a decade, benefited significantly from advancements in DNA testing technology. Starting in 2018, investigations were able to include DNA searches for female relatives, enabling forensic experts to link female relatives’ DNA records to male suspects for the first time. This change facilitated the identification of a close relative of Lopez, prompting detailed surveillance and evidence collection.
During the surveillance, detectives collected discarded evidence that ultimately connected Lopez to the crime scene. The DNA evidence retrieved from the Orange County Crime Laboratory confirmed that Lopez matched the DNA evidence collected from the victim in 2012, paving the way for the conviction.
The harrowing abduction of the girl took place on July 15, 2012, between 6 and 6:30 p.m., in front of an apartment complex on South Townsend Street. At the time, the girl was playing outside with a 4-year-old boy when Lopez approached her, falsely claiming he had something for her mother. He then forcibly abducted her, taking her to a nearby parking lot where she was sexually assaulted before being released and left in a nearby neighborhood.
Lopez resided in the same apartment complex as the victim and had no prior known contact with her or her family. Notably, despite his prior criminal history, there were no records of offenses similar to the crime for which he has been convicted. A link to the case was uncovered through the DNA of a female relative of Lopez, who had previously been convicted in 2014, resulting in her DNA being recorded in the state’s database and aiding law enforcement in the investigation.
The emphasis on DNA technology marks a significant evolution in how such cases are resolved, highlighting the importance of scientific advancements in tracing and identifying suspects in crimes against children. The use of DNA evidence has been instrumental in this case and others, emphasizing the changing landscape of forensic science in law enforcement.
Lopez is scheduled to be sentenced on October 9, as the judicial system prepares to hand down the consequences for his actions, reflecting the serious nature of the offenses committed against a minor.
The evolution of DNA analysis methods and databases has opened new avenues for justice in historical cases, ensuring that perpetrators like Lopez can be held accountable, despite the passage of time.
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Additional Resources
- Orange County Register: Man Identified with DNA Testing
- CBS News: Man Gets 25 Years to Life for Rape
- NBC Los Angeles: Kidnapping and Abduction Case
- Wikipedia: DNA Profiling
- Encyclopedia Britannica: DNA Profiling
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
