GhLinks Media
The individual believed to be responsible for the tragic demise of Adrianna Lopez has been identified as Cristobal Santana.
Based on our investigation, it has come to light that Cristobal Santana assumed a different identity while residing in New Orleans, going by the name of Darrel Rice.
What happened
Adrianna Lopez was walking in the 5400-block of South Narragansett Avenue at about 9:34 p.m. when Cristobal Santana or Darrel Rice approached in a dark SUV.
The suspect fired and the woman was struck 10 times and transported to Advocate Christ Hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released the identity of the victim.
No one is in custody and Area One detectives are investigating.
Norma Lopez, Adrianna’s sister, has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to commemorate her memory.
In a heartfelt tribute, Norma described Adrianna as a teacher, daughter, sister, and a true friend.
A friend and a colleague of the late Adrianna confirmed to ghlinks.com.gh that, Ms. Lopez worked as a Special Education Teacher at Nathan S Davis.
She earned her B.S. in Social Work from National Louis University, and later pursued her master’s degree in Special Education from the same institution.
Adrianna Lopez’s family reacts to the news of her murder
For the family of Adrianna Lopez, it just doesn’t seem real.
“I’m still in denial. I can’t accept it. I’m thinking, you know, she’s at work right now. She’ll be coming to visit us very soon,” said Michelle Martinez, the victim’s niece.
Martinez is mourning her aunt, best friend and second mother, who was gunned down on Sunday night on her Garfield Ridge block.
“She didn’t deserve this,” Martinez said. “No one deserves to die like that, to go away like that.”
Lopez, who was 37 years old, was steps from her home in the 5400 block of South Narragansett Avenue when, police say, she was approached by a man she knew in a dark-colored SUV just after 9:30 p.m.
Martinez says the family has been told that the man got out of the vehicle, argued at length with Lopez, and then, opened fire. Police said she was shot at least 10 times.
“She didn’t even have the chance to protect herself, to defend herself. Wasn’t right,” Martinez said.
