News Releases

If convicted as charged, James Joshua Lopez faces up to 26 years to life in prison

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that James Joshua Lopez, 24, has been charged with murder in connection with the Jan. 26 stabbing death of Amanda Torres, 28, in downtown Los Angeles.

“This horrific and senseless act of violence took the life of a young woman who dedicated herself to making her community better,” District Attorney 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. She recently graduated from UCLA and was a community organizer. My office will fight to ensure justice is served for Amanda and her loved ones.”

James Joshua Lopez (DOB 6/29/00) of Los Angeles faces one count of murder with an allegation of personal use of deadly and dangerous weapon, a knife. His bail has been set at $2.02 million.

Lopez’s arraignment was set for March 3, Dept. 30 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

If convicted as charged, he faces up to 26 years to life in prison.

On Jan. 26 at around 12:40 a.m., Lopez is accused of fatally stabbing Amanda Torres after the victim intervened trying to protect her brother, who had been allegedly attacked by a group of men at a party in the 1100 block of S. Los Angeles Street.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Cristhian Ochoa and Monique Pahuja of the Central Trials-13 Division and was investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

###