Man sentenced to natural life in prison for stabbing wife 43 times in Pinal County
Man sentenced to life in prison for estranged wife's murder
A man who pleaded guilty to stabbing his estranged wife 43 times has been sentenced to life in prison. Javier Lopez was sentenced to natural life in prison for the premeditated murder of Christina Lopez.
FLORENCE, Ariz. - A man accused of first-degree premeditated murder was sentenced to his natural life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Javier Lopez pleaded guilty to the charges on Aug. 12, the Pinal County Attorney announced.
The backstory:
The Pinal County Attorney's Office stated, "The case stems from the horrific murder of Christina Lopez, the estranged wife of the defendant. The defendant brutally stabbed her 43 times on April 11, 2024."
When the attack happened, one of their kids was waiting outside in the car. The teen reportedly asked Lopez if he had hurt his mother.
Slain Arizona mother mourned: 'Heartbreak is unbearable'
A mourning family is grieving the loss of 43-year-old Christina Lopez. Deputies say the husband who she had separated from stabbed her dozens of times, killing her. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach has more.
Dig deeper:
"This was a calculated, premeditated act of murder that robbed a mother of her life and young children of their mother.," said Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller. "These children will grow up without their mother’s love and comfort as they go through their lives."
Miller says it's important for the community to be aware of domestic violence signs.
"Too often, these cases begin with patterns of control, intimidation, and escalating abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help. There are resources, advocates, and law enforcement partners ready to stand with you. This sentence ensures that this individual will never again harm another person, but it also reminds us of the urgent work still ahead to protect families," Miller said.
Arizona mother mourned after deputies say her husband stabbed and killed her
A mourning family is grieving the loss of 43-year-old Christina Lopez. Deputies say the husband who she had separated from stabbed her dozens of times, killing her.
What you can do:
The Pinal County Attorney's Office says for more information on resources for victims of domestic violence in Pinal County, please contact any of the following agencies:
- Against Abuse
- Community Alliance Against Family Abuse
- Domestic Violence Support Services
- Hope Women's Center
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
If you believe you are a victim of domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text START to 88788. A live online chat is also available.
- Arizona Department of Economic Security - Domestic Violence Services
- City of Phoenix Domestic Violence Resources
The Source: Information in this report was gathered from Pinal County Attorney's Office statements and FOX 10's previous reporting.