Rafael Lopez, a 34-year-old beloved youth coach from Pittsburg, CA, tragically lost his life on December 14, 2019. Lopez was at his home on Havenwood Circle with his fiancée, Lea Perry, and their six children when two masked gunmen broke in. The family had just returned from an event commemorating a recently deceased family friend. As the intruders entered, they pointed guns at Lopez's stepson and other family members. In a heroic attempt to protect his family, Lopez confronted the assailants.
Despite being unarmed, he fought bravely but was ultimately shot and killed. The gunmen fled the scene, leaving the family devastated and the community mourning the loss of a dedicated coach and mentor.
The investigation into Lopez's death revealed that the motive behind the home invasion was likely a robbery. Lopez had shown a friend a bag containing 15-17 pounds of marijuana, valued at approximately $34,000, during the gathering earlier that evening. This led authorities to believe that the gunmen targeted the home specifically for the marijuana or the cannabis plants Lopez was cultivating in his garage. The Pittsburg police worked diligently to identify the suspects, and in February 2020, they arrested Mark Anthony Thomas, a 35-year-old man from Antioch. Thomas was charged with voluntary manslaughter and six counts of assault with a firearm. He later pleaded no contest and was sentenced to 33 years in prison.
Despite the arrest and conviction of Thomas, the identity of the second gunman remains unknown. The investigation uncovered that the perpetrators wore devil masks during the attack, adding a chilling element to the crime. Witnesses at the preliminary hearing testified that Lopez died a hero, attempting to fend off the assailants to protect his family. The case highlighted the dangers associated with marijuana cultivation and the lengths to which individuals might go to obtain valuable contraband. The community continues to remember Lopez for his dedication to coaching and his positive impact on the lives of many young athletes.
