On Thursday, July 17th, 2025, police officers were dispatched to Morgan Lane regarding a check the welfare call, according to the Garden Grove Police Department.
The calling party stated they received a phone call from a family member who was staying at the Morgan residence in Garden Grove, stating police and an ambulance were needed at the residence. As officers arrived on scene, a second call was received from a female juvenile who was inside the residence stating her mom needed help.
The officers made entry into the residence and located a deceased female, later identified as Crystal Gonzalez, 37 years old, a resident of Lodi, CA.
One additional juvenile was located in the residence and both juveniles were unharmed and unaware of what took place.
Investigators responded and learned the suspect, Miguel Lopez, 35 years old, another resident of Lodi, was missing from the residence. Lopez was allegedly a CHP officer in Stockton. He was previously stationed in Hayward.
Additionally, there were no signs of forced entry into the residence. Lopez was determined to be the father of the juveniles and the husband to the victim. Investigators began searching for the whereabouts of Lopez when family members notified the police that Lopez’ vehicle was in Stockton and police from Stockton were on the scene.
Garden Grove police investigators contacted Stockton PD Investigators and learned that Lopez was involved in a different shooting in their jurisdiction yesterday morning.
Shortly after the murder in Garden Grove, Lopez traveled to Stockton where he confronted a 54-year-old man in the parking lot of CrossFit209 on Eight Mile Rd. That man is believed to have had a relationship with Crystal. Lopez shot the man leaving him in critical condition before taking his own life at the scene.
GGPD investigators confirmed Lopez was seen leaving the residence in Garden Grove very early yesterday morning.
Garden Grove PD Detectives are actively working this case and would like anyone with additional information to contact Detective Rogers at 714-741-5413.
To protect the integrity of the investigation, no additional information will be released at this time. We are working to get the juveniles connected back with family members.
Any information relating to the Stockton shooting will have to be released by Stockton PD or their delegate.