Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 03/01/07

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards - 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

SONOMA COUNTY JURY RETURNS GUILTY VERDICTS IN THREE STRIKES CASE

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced that a jury returned guilty verdicts in the case of People v. David Busio Lopez, whose numerous prior domestic violence convictions, including torture, make him eligible for a life sentence.

District Attorney Passalacqua said, "We’re pleased with the jury verdicts in this case and look forward to closure for the victims."

Lopez was convicted by a Sonoma County jury in April 1994 of committing 24 felonies including torture, kidnap, assault with deadly weapons and a firearm, sexual assault, and child abuse. Those convictions were based on physical abuse he inflicted almost daily over the course of two years on his girlfriend at the time. In addition to the firearm, he used weapons such as extension cords, hangers, and a crow-bar. After several appeals, Lopez’s initial life sentence in that case was reduced to 15 years.

While incarcerated, Lopez married his current victim. When he was paroled on May 31, 2005, he began living with his new wife. Within about two weeks, Lopez physically assaulted the victim and threatened to kill her if she reported it. Within about a week, she escaped and reported the assault to law enforcement. On February 23, 2007, the jury convicted Lopez of felony domestic violence, false imprisonment, and dissuading a witness for these crimes against his wife.

After a court hearing, the Honorable Kenneth Gnoss determined that the five convictions from the prior case charged under the Three-Strikes Law qualify as prior strikes. Consequently, Lopez faces a maximum sentence of approximately 30 years to life in state prison. The next court date is March 12, 2007, when a sentencing date will be set.

Marianna Green prosecuted the case. She was assisted by District Attorney Investigators Kris Allen, Les Vanderpool and David Boffi as well as Legal Secretary Coleen Atmore. Domestic Violence Counselor Karin McCall provided victim advocacy services.