A man accused of first-degree premeditated murder, Javier Lopez, was sentenced to his natural life in prison without the possibility of parole after pleading guilty.
According to the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, Lopez pled guilty to the charges of First Degree Premeditated Murder, a Class 1 Felony on August 12, 2025.
The case stems from the horrific murder of Christina Lopez, the estranged wife of the defendant. The defendant brutally stabbed her 43 times on April 11, 2024. At the time of the attack, one of the couple’s three children was waiting outside the home in a vehicle. The teen asked his father if he had hurt his mother after hearing screaming and crying inside the home.
“This was a calculated, premeditated act of murder that robbed a mother of her life and young children of their mother.,” said County Attorney Brad Miller. “Domestic violence is a scourge on our communities, and my office will continue to pursue the strongest penalties available under the law for those who commit such heinous crimes. These children will grow up without their mother’s love and comfort as they go through their lives.”
“Too often, these cases begin with patterns of control, intimidation, and escalating abuse,” stated Miller. “If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help. There are resources, advocates, and law enforcement partners ready to stand with you. This sentence ensures that this individual will never again harm another person, but it also reminds us of the urgent work still ahead to protect families.”
Sounds like a Death Penalty case to me. Those opposed to the DP strictly on principles deserve respect, but should not have the final word, because what they are actually demanding of the rest of us is that any human life, no matter how horrible or monstrous a crime, must be attended at public expense NO MATTER WHAT THE COST. And that is not a reasonable compromise when honorable minds disagree.
This guy should be o. Death row awaiting execution. The really bad part is he’s going to get amother 30~40 years of life while hers is gone