An Arizona father will spend the rest of his life in prison after committing a fatal act of domestic violence. Javier Lopez pleaded guilty to the horrific 2024 stabbing murder of his estranged wife, Christina Lopez. The pair shared three sons, one of whom was in the car outside the house during the murder. Now, these poor boys will have to live without either of their parents.
Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller shared the news of Javier Lopez’s sentence in a news release. The details of the murder are truly horrifying. Javier Lopez stabbed Christina Lopez 43 times on April 11, 2024. This wasn’t an accident but a brutal, premeditated murder. The worst part is one of the couple’s sons heard his mother crying and screaming as he sat in the car outside. When he returned to the car, the teenager bravely asked his father if he had hurt his mother. Miller noted in the release that Javier Lopez’s violent behavior stole the boys’ mother from them.
“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,” Miller shared in the release.
Christina Lopez’s sister, Shannon Mayfield, was heartbroken after her sister’s death and poured her heart into helping other domestic violence victims. She regularly posts on social media in memory of her sister.
“My sister’s life ended in a way we never could have imagined, making her a statistic that she never should have been. Seeing a glimpse of her story on this display broke my heart. The violent and horrific manner in which he took Tina’s life is inexcusable,” she wrote in a post. “He not only took my sister’s life but also her sons’, turning their world upside down. Domestic violence affects 1 in 4 women, and it doesn’t have to be physical; it can be verbal and controlling, like in my sister’s case.”
Javier Lopez will spend the rest of his life behind bars without the possibility of parole, having pleaded guilty to charges of first-degree premeditated murder last month, the county attorney’s release noted.
“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,” Miller shared in the release.
We can’t imagine how difficult it must be for Christina Lopez’s family to know they will never see her again. Sadly, Javier Lopez’s rage didn’t just kill his estranged wife. His selfish behavior also ended the life his children knew forever. He’s got plenty of time to think about it while he rots in prison.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of domestic abuse, you can find help and support at DVIS.org, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or by contacting your local women’s shelter (domesticshelters.org).
