If you can never get enough true crime Congratulations, youve found your people. Sam Lopez is accused of murdering his former girlfriend, Cathy Torrez. In the months before she died, Cathy was dating Albert Rangel, who wanted more from the relationship than Cathy could give him. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. The Dateline Saturday Night Mystery episode 'The Promise' investigates the 1994 disappearance and murder of Cathy Torrez. We meet Cathy Torrez, Mary Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. Albert Rangels mother and grandmother said in interviews that Torrez had visited Rangel at UCI Medical Center in Orange every night since he was found hanging by the neck in a warehouse where he worked. Just the way it happened, we cant understand that. Powered by WordPress.com VIP. What we had basically when the body was discovered on the 19th (of February) is what we still have, Placentia police spokeswoman Corinne Loomis said. Senior Deputy District Attorney Matt Murphy characterized the victim as an all-American girl who lived across the street from her accused killer, who was her high school sweetheart and whose sister, Tina, was married to his brother. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. The body of 20-year-old honor student Cathy Torrez was found in the trunk of her car. . Torrez would arrive home a short time later with slashed tires, seemingly intoxicated, with neither she nor Lopez able to explain the damage. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). Moreover, the perpetrator, her ex-boyfriend, Samuel Sam Lopez, didnt confess to the crime until 2015. Although Sam Lopez was the primary suspect in Cathy Torrezs murder case from day one, he wasnt charged or arrested for it until the summer of 2007. The Cathy Torrez murder investigation is dead. The victims mother also noticed after her daughter passed out in the bathroom that she was missing her underwear, Murphy said. When she didnt show up (Saturday), we didnt know what to think, Orosco said, adding that their puzzlement grew until Monday, when Torrezs mother called to tell them she was missing. They might have pulled it off without a hitch if they had stuck to the plan. SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- The brother of a man convicted in the 1994 stabbing death of a Cal State Fullerton. Really weaves a thorough detailed story from initial events, to dogged pursuit of the truth, to final outcome. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Somebody, just because they wanted to or for whatever reason, took it all away from her. Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez didn't come home after working served one purpose. Glenn Youngkin rules out presidential campaign while in California, Three killed in small plane crash near Big Bear airport, authorities say, 2 students stabbed near Los Angeles High; LAPD investigating, Bass budget proposal for Animal Services is far less than what department requested, Salmonella outbreak linked to Gold Medal flour reaches California. We reveal the content of 18 letters between Cathy and Sam. The next day, a Sunday, Torrezs older sister and her best friend both testified that Lopez had asked Torrez to elope. The prosecutor said the only contribution Lopez made to the search was posting a flier. The killing occurred in an apartment. One of the stars of the movie based on the heist, Rachael Taylor, chokes up about the real story. We reveal the content of 18 letters between Cathy and Sam. A week later, her body was discovered stabbed to death in the trunk of her own car. 10.31.2019 S2, Ep. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Check for a confirmation email, and then you're all set with MyNewsLA.com! Police believe Sam Lopez is lying about his movements on the night Cathy disappeared. And for most of that time, the suspected murderer lived across the street. On the night investigators believe she was killed, Torrez left her job at a Sav-On store in Placentia, telling a co-worker she was going to meet Lopez, Murphy said. In this season, we will take you behind the scenes of the investigation, playing old interviews from cassette tapes taken from the 1994 police archives, conducting new interviews with people involved in the case and reporting new stories that have never been published. Youll hear the ups and downs of writing a screenplay, and how it took more than 15 years for the movie Finding Steve McQueen to get made. To Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, that tree only served one purpose. But those who knew Torrez conceded that the hard-working, responsible woman was not the type to go anywhere without informing her family. They came from traditional families and it appears the two had a wholesome relationship and never had sex together, Murphy said. We reveal the content of 18 I had a very hard time listening to all the recorded interviews. She has tried 72 trials and won 57 convictions without hearing a word of testimony. Police say they have few new leads but are following up on every tip. But they can't arrest him because they don't have probable cause. Samuel Sam Agustin Lopezs confession came more than 20 years after Cathys killing, and although it confirmed the long-held doubts of her family about his involvement in the crime, it did nothing to ease their suffering or grief. The Placentia resident was an honor sociology student at Cal State Fullerton and had dreams of becoming a social worker one day. This particular story is new, not redone by every podcaster out there. Whoops! The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon's fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. Bonus Episode 1: The Girl Who Wouldn't Be Forgotten. A You expect the worst, but you hope, said Albert Gonzales, a friend acting as a spokesman for family members, who remained inside their home and declined comment when reached by telephone Saturday. Get up to speed with our Essential California newsletter, sent six days a week. There is no magic in what we do.. Torrez was stabbed dozens of times and her throat was slashed, Murphy said. A lot of pain. In fact, family and friends have said, the 4-foot, 10-inch woman hated to be alone almost anywhere--during trips to the store or even at home. However, it seems like theyre glad that he is now behind bars. Cathy doesn't come home after working a shift at Sav-On. We reveal the content of 18 letters between Cathy and Sam. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharons fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. Your email address will not be published. Hundreds of little ribbon-strung white clay hearts dangling from rearview mirrors and the necks of Torrezs friends have become a symbol of a community waiting for answers many still believe are hidden in their midst. Each season explores a different crime, beginning with the biggest bank heist in American history. Police Sgt. 4: What Happened to Albert by Crime Beat instantly on your tablet, phone or browser - no downloads needed. Season 2, Mom vs. Murderer, has a launch date. Our regular podcast, "Crime Beat," Season One: "Stealing Nixon's Millions" will continue as scheduled with Episode 5. However, court records indicate that their relationship had been riddled with issues for a while. The story is good. One of the witnesses makes an incredible revelation. relationship than Cathy could give him. Why is there no Walnut Street on Google Maps in Placentia CA? After Cathy Torrez was murdered in 1994, Girl Scouts planted a tree to honor her. Vronique Cloutier anime le plus gros show de radio au pays ! The inside of the car was in disarray and some parts were broken, indicating a violent struggle had taken place. Torrez was last seen leaving a part-time job at the Sav-On Drugs on East Yorba Linda Boulevard at 8 p.m. Feb. 12. Lopezs interviews with police in which his story kept changing when presented with new evidence also will be part of the prosecutions legal theory, Murphy said. Sam Lopez, 43, faced a murder charge in the stabbing death of Cathy Torrez, a Cal State Fullerton student who disappeared in 1994 after leaving work. But they can't arrest him because they don't have probable cause. The "Crime Beat" team offers insight into Season 2 at a Coast Conversation event, and we wrap the season with updates on what is going on with key people you met along the way. Torrez spent several days at the hospital, where she sat with the (Rangel) family and she cried with the family, the prosecutor said. Ken Gardner said. The prosecutor suggested Torrez had been drugged because there was little evidence she had downed less than two bottles of the wine cooler-like drink. Skip to 9:40 to avoid those details. Police released scant information Saturday, saying only that they had found the 20-year-old Placentia womans body in her car and were investigating her death as a homicide. A week later, her body was discovered stabbed to death in the trunk of her own car. About Season 2: On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez didn't come home after working the evening shift in the photo department at Sav-On. Witnesses offer conflicting accounts, Mars Voltas lead singer broke with Scientology and reunited with the band. WARNING: This episode includes details from Cathy Torrez's autopsy report that might disturb some listeners. David M. Taylor confirmed that investigators spoke with Albert Rangels family Saturday, but said police have no reason to believe there is any link between the two cases. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharons fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. Co-defendant Armando Lopez, Samuel Lopezs older brother, was charged with being an accessory after the fact and is next due in court in May. I will not stop until I find my daughters killer. Sam was allegedly a bit possessive over his girlfriend and suffered from fits of jealously. I do hope and pray this brings at least a small amount of relief from the pain I have caused [Cathys loved ones], he said. . And Crime Beat becomes the podcast the Nixon people dont want you to hear. Just a day earlier, on Friday, Torrezs 19-year-old brother, Martin, stood in front of the store passing out the flyers as he had done every day since her disappearance. Crime Beat, Season 2 focuses on Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, and her extraordinary quest for justice. 15 - S2, Ep. Everyone is real distraught.. Would have preferred narration, and that would have cut the entire story length in half. Each season explores a different crime, beginning with the biggest bank heist in American history. At this point, not only do we not have a lot of information ourselves yet, what information we do have we are not willing to release, Taylor said. May have been helpful if there was some volume available, but its turned all the way up, and Im having trouble hearing the audio without earphones.Fini. ), Lakers vs. Warriors: What scouts expect in playoff series, Decades of failures leave L.A. County facing up to $3 billion in sex abuse claims, L.A. Affairs: I had my reasons for not dating white men. She walked out to her car with a female co-worker, said see you in the morning, and drove out of the lot, heading south on Bradford Avenue. The "Crime Beat" team offers insight into Season 2 at a Coast Conversation event, and we wrap the season with updates on what is going on with key people you met along the way. On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State You will hear the entire interview with Sam Lopez from the day Cathy Torrez's body was found. The body of 20-year-old honor student Cathy Torrez was found in the trunk of her car. Buelna, an anti-gang activist who never knew Torrez, has a gut feeling her killer is still in Placentia and that gangs were not involved. Crime Beat, Season 2 focuses on Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, and her extraordinary quest for justice. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon tells the true crime story of the pursuit of her killer. Officers patrolling the parking lot at Placentia-Linda Community Hospital early Saturday recognized Torrezs burgundy Toyota Corolla, police said. Inside, we are not strong, Bennett said. After 13 years, police arrest four suspects in the murder of Cathy Torrez. And for most of that time, the suspected murderer lived across the street. Outside the store, a lone flyer bearing Torrezs smiling, friendly face lay in a shopping cart. Breaking news for Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon's fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really h Would justice ever be served? Mary Bennett and Daron Wyatt can't seem to find anyone who cares. His battles with the church arent over, How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! The little thank-you notes we put on them said, Now, when you, too, see a white heart, you will think of our friend Cathy Torrez, she said. The most promising clue right now is the one, mud-caked shoe Torrez was still wearing when her body was found. Im Cathy.. We use cookies to enhance your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve tailored ads. In the months before she died, 28 minutes | Oct 24, 2019 . Cathy died. Copyright 2023 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Unaware that police already had found Torrezs body, her friends passed out dozens of flyers Saturday morning at a Chicano Youth and Community Conference held at Cal State Fullerton. News of Torrezs death shocked residents of the close-knit neighborhood off Chapman Avenue where Torrez lived with her mother and stepfather, Mary and Ron Bennet, her brother and one of her two sisters. Would justice ever be served? They had papered north Orange County with flyers seeking information on her whereabouts. The victims arms showed signs of a struggle, according to DAmato, who said he had been briefed by police. Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. A co-worker of Torrez, as well as her best friend, claimed that she planned to meet Lopez after work that Saturday. The letters were discovered after Cathy died. and cathy was devastated. Read More: Where is Cathy Torrezs Mother Now? His battles with the church arent over, How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! She worked hard for everything she had, said Tracy Comer, a 20-year-old Fullerton sophomore who met Torrez in a Spanish class. . She left work around 8 p.m., drove out of the parking lot and disappeared. All that stands between Amil Dinsios crew and the Presidents secret stash are an alarm system, reinforced concrete and 500 locked safe deposit boxes. Xavier Lopez gave a final statement that proved truth still wasn't part of his defense strategy. Police believe Sam Lopez is lying about his movements on the night Cathy disappeared. In the six months since 20-year-old college student Cathy Torrez was found slain, her family and community have not been able to forget the violence that touched them. Rebecca Lavoie, host of "Crime Writers On," talks with Crime Beat host Keith Sharon about podcasting, journalism and some of the best true crime podcasts of all time. WARNING: This episode includes details from Cathy Torrez's autopsy report that might disturb some listeners. Rebecca Lavoie, host of "Crime Writers On," talks with Crime Beat host Keith Sharon about podcasting, journalism and some of the best true crime podcasts of all time. Would justice ever be served? Getaway driver Harry Barber starts a new life and tries to live without attracting attention to himself. Crime Beat, Season 2 focuses on Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, and her extraordinary 21-year quest for justice. But they can't arrest him because they don't have probable cause. But one of them got another idea. An officer at the scene got the impression the two had been arguing, the prosecutor said. A day before their date, Torrez had gone out with Rangel, who had given her a hickey, Murphy said. Each season explores a different crime, beginning with the biggest bank heist in . He (Murphy) makes him out to be a sociopath, out to kill someone because of a hickey. Rosenblum at the start of his closing statements claimed that much of the prosecutions case was built on speculation and opinions. Furthermore, records claim that Sam had suggested that the two elope and get married just days before, but Cathy was planning on saying no to the proposal as she wanted to have a proper wedding with all her friends and family involved. Morbid is a true crime, creepy history and all things spooky podcast hosted by an autopsy technician and a hairstylist. Our regular podcast, "Crime Beat," Season One: "Stealing Nixon's Millions" will continue as scheduled with Episode 5. No one is investigating. Mary Bennett gets a job in the Placentia City Hall so she can be close to the office door of the Chief of Police. Xavier Lopez gave a final statement that proved truth still wasn't part of his defense strategy. Samuel Lopezs attorney, Lew Rosenblum, said he planned to argue that Javier Lopez was the lone culprit. Glenn Youngkin rules out presidential campaign while in California, Three killed in small plane crash near Big Bear airport, authorities say, 2 students stabbed near Los Angeles High; LAPD investigating, Bass budget proposal for Animal Services is far less than what department requested, Salmonella outbreak linked to Gold Medal flour reaches California. Cathy doesn't come home after working a shift at Sav-On. Bank heist master Amil Dinsio and his crew were the best around and proved it regularly. Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon tells the true crime story of the pursuit of her killer. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharon's fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. 10.24.2019 Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Prosecutor in Cathy Torrez murder case: Jealousy led to murder, Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84, California fire chief: Prepare now for height of fire season delayed by record precipitation, Gov. Even this morning when I heard it on the news, I was hoping it wasnt her.. And Crime Beat becomes the podcast the Nixon people dont want you to hear. Police believe Sam Lopez is lying about his movements on the night Cathy disappeared. The letters were discovered after Cathy died. Cathy doesn't come home after working a shift at Sav-On. (File Photo by Michael Goulding . The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. And Sam Lopez cut her throat.. On Thursday, Torrez met with Lopez, at which point Murphy speculated that she told him that they werent going to elope. Police believe Sam Lopez is lying about his movements on the night Cathy disappeared. Then something changed, Virginia Gov. >> reporter: and now Cathy doesn't come home after working a shift at Sav-On. Hours later, Lopez sped through an intersection in Fullerton and blew through a stop sign, Murphy said. My client did not kill her. And for most of that time, the suspected murderer lived across the street. We meet Cathy Torrez, Mary Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. The Crime Beat podcast digs deep into fascinating true crime stories, exploring new twists along the way with award-winning Southern California News Group reporter Keith Sharons fresh interviews of criminal masterminds, some of their victims and the detectives trying to piece together what really happened. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. No one is investigating. People from her family and the community send out search parties trying to find her. Was Cathy Torrez pregnant? Tragic story Cathy had an incredible mom & family! Required fields are marked *. And in an interview Friday, members of Torrezs family said that she had gone out with Rangel only a few times. As she left, she said, Ill see you tomorrow, Orosco recalled. But they can't arrest him because they don't have probable cause. The Cathy Torrez murder investigation is dead. A week later, her body was discovered stabbed to death in t We reveal the content of 18 letters between Cathy and Sam. Janine Madera was raped as a child, and she decided as a pre-teen that she was going to someday work to put criminals behind bars.

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