Norma Lopez Update: Cops Search House Near Disappearance Site

By: Carlin DeGuerin Miller
Topics: Daily Blotter

Norma Lopez (Personal Photo)

MORENO VALLEY, Calif. (CBS/KTLA) In a seemingly significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of Norma Lopez, police served a search warrant on a home near the field where police believe Norma was kidnapped, and seized a green SUV, a car that matches descriptions given by witnesses of one seen leaving the spot where Norma was last seen.

PICTURES: Norma Lopez Murdered

Police believe the California teen was abducted July 15 after taking a well-known shortcut through a field a few blocks from the house that was searched Tuesday. Investigator also found Norma's purse and signs of a struggle in the same field.

Police have not released information about how Norma was killed and have not said whether they have any suspects in the case.

"The search warrant was in regards to the Norma Lopez investigation, and we did recover a green SUV at the residence," Sgt. Joe Borja of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. "No arrest has been made in connection to the homicide."

Borja declined to release further details about the search, according to The Los Angeles Times.

The homicide case triggered widespread fear among parents and teenagers in Moreno Valley, and authorities encouraged residents to be cautious, vigilant and to avoid walking alone in isolated areas.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the Moreno Valley Police Hotline at 877-242-4345. The reward stands at $35,000 and a group of private donors and elected officials are offering another reward of $55,000.

Complete Coverage of Norma Lopez on Crimesider.