Mother of Four Stabbed to Death in Fontana Apartment; Ex-Boyfriend Arrested

Tragic Discovery in Fontana

• 💔 A devastating crime occurred at the Orchards Apartment complex in Fontana, where 38-year-old Rachelle Lopez was found dead in her apartment.
• 🔪 Lopez was discovered by her roommate with multiple stab wounds, and police believe she was killed with a hatchet.
• 😔 Family members remember Rachelle as a loving, bubbly, and confident mother of four children, ranging in age from 6 to 12.

Suspect Identified and Arrested

• 🔍 Fontana police identified the suspect as Luis Shapira, 43, who allegedly had an on-again, off-again relationship with Lopez.
• 👮 Shapira, a former maintenance worker at the apartment complex, was arrested later the same day in Moreno Valley.
• ⚖️ Police are working to confirm details regarding his employment and whether background checks were conducted.

Background and Legal Proceedings

• ⛓️ Records indicate Shapira previously served 16 years in prison for armed robbery.
• 👨‍⚖️ During his court appearance, Shapira pleaded not guilty to a murder charge.
• 📅 He is due back in court on April 28th.

Community Concerns and Management Response

• ❓ Residents expressed concerns about safety and questioned how Shapira was hired, with some stating they were not notified of the incident.
• 🏢 Management for the apartment complex issued a statement expressing sadness and asserting that all employees undergo thorough background checks, and that residents were notified.
• ⚖️ The victim's family is seeking justice for Rachelle and her children.