A homicide suspect was arrested after an hours-long standoff with police and SWAT team members in Santa Ana, according to the SAPD.
The suspect was identified as Jerry Lopez, 48, of Santa Ana, according to the Santa Ana Police Department.
Lopez was arrested in connection with a June 14 incident when police responded to a shooting near 1100 S. Townsend Street around 7:48 a.m.
Officers arriving at the scene located the victim, Christopher Michael Abarca, 23, of Santa Ana, sitting in the driver’s seat of his car, suffering from a gunshot wound.
Paramedics transported him to the hospital where he later died from his injuries. The shooter had fled the scene before police arrived.
Following an investigation, authorities identified Lopez as the primary suspect in Abarca’s murder.
On July 30, SWAT team members served a search warrant at Lopez’s home near McFadden Avenue and Clara Street, however, he refused to comply.
Following an hours-long standoff and negotiation, Lopez surrendered and was taken into custody. Multiple firearms were discovered inside his residence, and he was arrested and booked into the Santa Ana Jail.
No further details, including a motive or how the suspect and victim were known to each other, were released.
The family of the victim launched a GoFundMe page to help pay for his funeral costs. That page included this statement:
On June 14, 2025, our family experienced an unimaginable tragedy — the sudden loss of our beloved Christopher Abarca. Just two weeks shy of his 24th birthday, Christopher was a loving father, devoted son, and cherished brother whose warmth and kindness touched everyone he met.
We are heartbroken and still trying to come to terms with this devastating loss. As we navigate this incredibly painful time, we are reaching out for support to help cover the unexpected funeral and memorial expenses.
Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly toward giving Christopher the farewell he deserves and easing the financial burden on our family during this difficult time.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love, support, and prayers.
Penalties faced by Lopez
While the exact charges have not yet been publicly disclosed, based on the circumstances reported, Lopez is likely facing the following serious felony charges under California law:
1. Murder (Penal Code 187 PC)
- Penalty: 25 years to life in state prison.
- If special circumstances are proven (e.g., lying in wait, use of a firearm, or gang involvement), the sentence could be life without parole or even capital punishment (though California currently has a moratorium on executions).
2. Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony (Penal Code 12022.53 PC)
- Penalty Enhancements:
- 10 years for using a firearm,
- 20 years for firing it,
- 25 years to life if it caused great bodily injury or death.
3. Possession of Firearms (if prohibited)
- If Lopez is a prohibited possessor (due to prior convictions), he could face additional felony charges under Penal Code 29800 PC.
The final penalties will depend on the charges filed by the District Attorney, Lopez’s criminal history, and whether any aggravating factors are present.