Going West: True Crime - Episode 515: Norma Lopez

Release Date: June 27, 2025
Host/Author: Dark West Productions
Hosts: Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman

Introduction

In Episode 515 of Going West: True Crime, hosts Daphne Woolsoncroft and Heath Merryman delve into the harrowing case of Norma Lopez, a 17-year-old girl whose disappearance and subsequent murder stunned the Moreno Valley community in Southern California. This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key moments, discussions, and emotional testimonies that paint a vivid picture of the investigation and its impact on those involved.

Background of Norma Lopez

Norma Lopez was born on December 29, 1992, and grew up in a loving and hardworking family in Moreno Valley, a suburb of West Covina in the Inland Empire region of Southern California. She was known for her sweet demeanor, creativity, and aspirations to study fashion design. Norma was preparing for her senior year at Valley View High School during the summer of 2010, enrolling in summer classes to get ahead academically.

Heath Merryman emphasizes Norma’s character:
"Norma was known for being sweet, kind, and a good friend with her high school peers, rarely without a smile on her face." [04:00]

The Disappearance

On July 15, 2010, Norma attended a biology class at Valley View High School, accompanied by her mother. After class, she planned to meet her sister Sonia and a friend at her friend's house. To save time in the scorching summer heat, Norma took a shortcut through an adjacent field along Nason Street, a route familiar to many local students.

However, Norma failed to arrive at her designated meeting time, prompting Sonia and the friend to become concerned. When they retraced Norma’s steps, they discovered her belongings scattered in the field and signs of a struggle, including her purse and earrings with male DNA. Realizing Norma had likely been attacked and abducted, Sonia immediately called 911.

Daphne Woolsoncroft reflects on the situation:
"Norma was a rule follower and had never tried to run away. With what they found, they just knew that wasn't the case at all." [08:17]

Initial Investigation

Detectives and law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, swiftly transformed the case from a missing person to a murder investigation. Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco shared his initial feelings of inadequacy and the pressure to find Norma:
"Originally, I felt like I failed the family for not finding her. This was a boogeyman case. This was a truly innocent girl. For a week, I didn't go home." [09:27]

Despite thorough searches and roadblocks, Norma's body was found five days later in a grove of olive trees approximately 4.8 kilometers from her disappearance site. Due to decomposition, the cause of death was challenging to determine, but experts suspected strangulation or asphyxiation.

Police Sergeant Joe Borja provided updates:
"Tomorrow at 9am we will be conducting an autopsy and hopefully by then we should at least be able to determine whether or not it's a male or female." [10:53]

Community Impact and Response

The discovery of Norma's body shocked the community, leading to vigils, memorials, and increased fear among local teenagers. The school even brought in a crisis response team to support students traumatized by this loss and previous teacher deaths.

Norma's sister delivered an emotional plea during a candlelight vigil:
"I don't want anyone to go through this. But why her? She had never done anything to anyone. You could have just been walking where you were supposed to be going. Just get the heart to turn yourself in because you killed her. We want her here. Home." [14:55]

Investigation Challenges and False Leads

Initially, suspicion fell on Lazarus Tasby, a teacher’s aide at Valley View High School who had previously faced charges for solicitation of prostitution. Surveillance footage captured a green SUV, identical to Lazarus’s vehicle, near the scene of Norma's abduction. However, DNA testing later excluded him as a suspect.

During a search of Lazarus's residence, tensions arose when Eric Mswaswa, Lazarus’s stepson, protested the police search, claiming excessive force was used. This incident diverted attention away from the case, causing frustration among investigators and Norma's family.

Daphne Woolsoncroft comments on the situation:
"It was just a mess. And especially because Lazarus DNA was tested against the DNA found at the crime scene, and it actually was not found to be a match." [25:34]

Breakthrough and Arrest

Over a year later, a breakthrough occurred when DNA from Norma’s earrings matched Jesse Perez Torres, a local man with a prior domestic violence conviction whose DNA was already in the CODIS database. Jesse owned a green Nissan Xterra SUV and lived just one block from Norma’s school, placing him at the epicenter of the investigation.

Heath Merryman discusses the DNA link:
"His DNA was submitted into CODIS months before she was murdered, and then over a year before it was even tested." [32:44]

Jesse’s behavior following the crime—a sudden sale of his vehicle and relocation—raised further suspicions. Despite the compelling evidence, the legal process was prolonged due to the potential of a death penalty case and delays in court proceedings.

Trial and Conviction

In 2019, Jesse Torres was convicted of Norma Lopez's murder. The trial featured emotional testimonies, including from Rose, a sex worker who had been violently assaulted by Torres months before Norma’s murder. Rose described Torres as a misogynist with “brazen evilness” in his actions.

Deputy District Attorney Michael Kearse stated:
"I think of 17 year old Norma Lopez and that she had her entire life ahead of her. The brutality and callousness of this killer shocks the conscience." [34:56]

Despite Torres’s defense attempting to mitigate his actions by highlighting his troubled upbringing and alleged intellectual disabilities, the court condemned his actions unequivocally.

Judge Bernard J. Schwartz remarked during sentencing:
"The killing of Norma Lopez and the dumping of her body like a piece of garbage can only be described as disgusting. The defendant displays an utter disregard for human life and is a threat to society." [45:55]

Ultimately, Torres was sentenced to life in prison following California’s moratorium on the death penalty, ensuring he would remain incarcerated indefinitely.

Emotional Closure for Norma’s Family

Norma’s family, particularly her mother and sisters, shared poignant reflections on their loss. Norma’s sister read a heartfelt letter in court, conveying the enduring pain and the void her death created:
"I took Norma to school that day, not knowing that it was the last time I will ever see her again. Without Norma, my house was filled with pain and sadness." [48:58]

Conclusion

The Going West: True Crime episode on Norma Lopez’s case underscores the profound impact of her tragic death on her community and family. Through meticulous investigation and heartfelt testimonies, justice was eventually served, albeit years later. The hosts, Daphne and Heath, poignantly encapsulate the sorrow, resilience, and unwavering quest for justice that defines true crime narratives.

Heath Merryman concludes with a strong sentiment against Torres:
"He is a piece of shit." [49:02]

Daphne Woolsoncroft encourages listeners to engage with the community and support the hosts’ ongoing work:
"If you want to see photos of Norma and photos from this case, head over to our socials. We're on Instagram at Going West Podcast and we're also on Facebook." [49:14]

Supporting the Hosts and Community Engagement

Hosts also highlighted Heath’s birthday celebrations and promoted their upcoming tour, emphasizing their dedication to connecting with their audience and honoring their loyal listeners.

Heath Merryman invites listeners:
"Going west is going on tour in September. Tickets are available right now. You can go to goingwestpod.com/tour to pick up your tickets." [49:51]

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a testament to the relentless pursuit of truth and justice in the face of tragedy. Norma Lopez’s story is a sobering reminder of the vulnerabilities young individuals face and the profound effects their loss can have on a community. Through compassionate storytelling and thorough investigation, Going West: True Crime not only chronicles Norma’s plight but also honors her memory by ensuring her story is heard and remembered.

For more detailed accounts, photos, and updates on the Norma Lopez case, engage with Going West: True Crime on their social media platforms and consider subscribing for additional content and bonus episodes.