The Tragic Death of Adrianna Lopez: A Call to Action Against Domestic Violence
The death of Adrianna Lopez, a 37-year-old special education teacher in Chicago, has left her family and community in shock. Her ex-boyfriend, Cristobal Santana, 37, is in custody after allegedly shooting an Illinois State Police trooper in Springfield. Lopez’s family believes Santana is also responsible for her death, which occurred outside her Garfield Ridge home Sunday night.
Lopez’s sister, Norma Lopez, described her as “a great person, she cared about her family and other people. She was joyful.” Her niece, Michelle Martinez, said the family learned of Santana’s arrest through social media. “CPD is not letting us know anything,” Martinez said. “We are very concerned, and we just want to know what’s really going on. We’re trying to apply as much pressure as we can.”
The Illinois State Police said a trooper “interacted” with Santana about 10:45 p.m. Tuesday in Springfield. During the interaction, gunshots were fired, and the trooper was hit in the leg. Santana ran away but was taken into custody about 2 a.m., according to the statement. The trooper remains hospitalized Wednesday evening, in serious condition. Santana was also injured and in a hospital, but it’s not clear how he was hurt. As of Wednesday, Santana had not been charged in either shooting.
Lopez and Santana dated for about a year and a half before they broke up just three months ago, according to family members. The family said they did not see signs of violence while the pair were dating, but about month ago, Jaramillo alleged Santana kicked a door in while they were arguing. Around the same time, an argument between Lopez and Santana turned physical, and Martinez said she helped her aunt file for an order of protection. Law enforcement agencies could not immediately confirm an order of protection was in place.
Lopez’s death is a tragic reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence in our society. Last year in Chicago, there were 36 firearm-involved domestic violence homicides and 79 non-fatal domestic violence shootings, according to a statement from the Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence.
“When domestic violence survivors go to the courts for an order of protection, we must ensure that protection works — especially when a firearm is involved. For Adrianna Lopez, we failed,” Amanda Pyron, executive director of the Network, wrote in a statement.
The Network is demanding the Illinois General Assembly act on legislation aimed at removing firearms from those accused of domestic violence. Karina’s Bill, named in honor of Karina Gonzelez, who was fatally shot in her Little Village home, would require law enforcement to remove firearms when serving an emergency order of protection. It would also clarify language allowing judges to issue a search warrant when ordering the removal of a gun.
The family of Adrianna Lopez is still in shock and mourning her loss. They are also calling for justice and for action to be taken to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. Services for Lopez will be held on Sunday and Monday, and the school where Lopez worked also plans to hold a vigil.
Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects thousands of people every year. It is important that we take steps to protect those who are vulnerable and to ensure that those who are accused of domestic violence are held accountable. We must also continue to raise awareness of the issue and to provide support for those who are affected by it. Adrianna Lopez’s death is a tragedy, but it can also be a call to action.
