Richard Lopez III, a 25-year-old Hispanic male, tragically lost his life on September 24, 2020, in Big Spring, Texas. Richard was born on June 24, 1995, and was a lifetime resident of Big Spring. He worked in sand fracking in the oilfield and for Price Construction. Richard was known for his love of the Boston Red Sox, video games, and spending time with his son, friends, and family.
He was a member of Cornerstone Covenant Church and was deeply cherished by his community.
On the afternoon of September 24, 2020, Richard Lopez III was shot in the upper torso while at his residence on Calvin Street in Big Spring. He was transported to Scenic Mountain Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries. The Big Spring Police Department responded to the scene and initiated an investigation into his death.
The investigation led to the arrest of several individuals in connection with the homicide. Marcus Pena, a 17-year-old male, and Rebecca Rivas Chavera, a 41-year-old female, were apprehended by the police. Additionally, two juveniles were taken into custody, and the police sought the whereabouts of a third juvenile suspect, Michael Donavan Burciaga. The identities of the other two juveniles were not disclosed.
Further details emerged during the investigation, revealing that on the day of the incident, D.M.T., a juvenile, along with other juveniles, went to Richard Lopez III's house to purchase marijuana. During the transaction, D.M.T. became upset with Richard, pulled out a firearm, and shot him. The group then fled the scene, and the police later recovered a backpack containing a gun and over a pound of marijuana.
The legal proceedings following the incident included the adjudication and disposition of D.M.T. as a delinquent child. A jury found that D.M.T. had intentionally and knowingly caused the death of Richard Lopez III by shooting him with a firearm. D.M.T. was sentenced to fifteen years of confinement in the Institutional Division of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department.
The tragic death of Richard Lopez III left a profound impact on his family, friends, and the Big Spring community. His memory is cherished by those who knew him, and the legal proceedings continue to seek justice for his untimely death.
