LA County DA charges 24-year-old man in death of UCLA activist
Los Angeles County prosecutors on Wednesday charged a 24-year-old man accused of stabbing a local community organizer to death in late January.
Investigators said that James Joshua Lopez 24, stabbed recent UCLA graduate Amanda Torres, 28, after she intervened during a brawl in downtown Los Angeles. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said Torres was trying to protect her brother after a group of men attacked him.
"This horrific and senseless act of violence took the life of a young woman who dedicated herself to making her community better," District Attorney Nathan Hochman said. "Amanda Torres was a bright, compassionate leader with limitless potential, and our hearts break for her family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched."
Lopez faces one count of murder with a special allegation. He faces up to 26 years to life in prison if he's convicted as charged.
His bail has been set at $2.02 million. Lopez's arraignment was scheduled for March 3.
The deadly stabbing happened on Jan. 26 at roughly 12:40 a.m. in the 1100 block of S. Los Angeles Street. Torres was trying to protect her brother after he was attacked at a party, according to prosecutors.