The killing occurred in an apartment. Just the way it happened, we cant understand that. Detective Daron Wyatt takes us on a tour of Placentia to show where and how Cathy's murder took place. She worked hard for everything she had, said Tracy Comer, a 20-year-old Fullerton sophomore who met Torrez in a Spanish class. On Feb. 19, 2019, police made an arrest in the cold-case killing of 11-year-old Linda O'Keefe, who was strangled in Orange County in 1973. But Lopez acknowledged to police that he had issues with jealousy, telling investigators that he would get angry when Torrez spoke about other men. Avec ses Fantastiques, Vro discute des sujets marquants de la journe, quils soient insolites ou srieux. Things that have been said, things that Ive read, even talking to gang members, they dont condone that type of killing. We meet Cathy Torrez, Mary Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. In the months before she died, Cathy Torrez and Samuel Sam Agustin Lopez, who had dated for about eight months in high school, had rekindled their romance in the weeks leading up to the formers brutal murder in early 1994. 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 body of 20-year-old honor student Cathy Torrez was found in the trunk of her car. Mary Bennett gets a job in the Placentia City Hall so she can be close to the office door of the Chief of Police. WARNING: This episode includes details from Cathy Torrez's autopsy report that might disturb some listeners. Police finally find a fingerprint and some DNA evidence, but neither belongs to Sam Lopez. 5200 SW 8 St. Suite 204-B Coral Gables, Fl 33134 Off (305) 443-9148 Cell (305) 218-4392. We meet Cathy Torrez, Mary Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. And Crime Beat becomes the podcast the Nixon people dont want you to hear. He (Murphy) makes him out to be a sociopath, out to kill someone because of a hickey. 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. The letters were discovered after Cathy died. 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. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. The victims mother also noticed after her daughter passed out in the bathroom that she was missing her underwear, Murphy said. relationship than Cathy could give him. I will not stop until I find my daughters killer. How would that individual (the killer) know what was said anyway?. Best Episodes of Crime Beat | Podchaser Crime Beat, Season 2 focuses on Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, and her extraordinary quest for justice. You will hear the entire interview with Sam Lopez from the day Cathy Torrez's body was found. The inside of the car was in disarray and some parts were broken, indicating a violent struggle had taken place. I skipped Eps 12 & 13 entirely. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. Jurors watched a video of Lopez from 1994, as the then-22-year-old waited in a police interview room. A full body orgasm at the L.A. Phil? One of the stars of the movie based on the heist, Rachael Taylor, chokes up about the real story. So, lets find out where he is now, shall we? He alleged that Lopez got into the drivers seat of Torrezs car and drove her to another location, where a struggle broke out in the vehicle. Torrez was stabbed dozens of times and her throat was slashed, Murphy said. During the hearings, the prosecutors detailed all the above information, along with aspects of Cathys slaying, until an Orange County Superior Court jury found Sam guilty of first-degree murder. Crime Beat, Season 2 focuses on Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, and her extraordinary quest for justice. It was painful. Each season explores a different crime, beginning with the biggest bank heist in American history. Cal State Fullerton murder trial: Defendant was enraged by jealousy And its not fair.. WARNING: This episode includes details from Cathy Torrez's autopsy report that might disturb some listeners. Breaking news for Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties. Were in a limbo waiting.. People from her family and the community send out search parties trying to find her. After 13 years, police arrest four suspects in the murder of Cathy Torrez. Placentia resident Mike Buelna put out flyers seeking information from residents of Torrezs neighborhood, on the theory that not all of the rumors and speculation on the street--potential leads--are reaching police. Look forward to more from this host. Xavier Lopez gave a final statement that proved truth still wasn't part of his defense strategy. Newsom touts states transition to renewable energy in LA facility tour, Last lifts mark end of historic snow season, Southern California resorts ready for summer, Status Update: Dutch Bros. drive-through coffee shop plots first OC locations, Orange County restaurants shut down by health inspectors (April 20-27), More land sliding at Casa Romantica; residents evacuated, trains halted through San Clemente, Orange County Artist of the Year winners announced, Fire at Barnes & Noble in Orange disrupts book-signing event, Then and Now: Photos of Casa Romantica show damage caused by landside, Dementia doubles in Orange County in less than a decade, Cold, drizzly week ahead for Southern California, OC Marine who volunteered in Ukraine, survived rocket attack: I would do it again, Man who killed father on Laguna Niguel trail committed to mental-health hospital, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. She worked hard. And find out what a master thief thinks of the movie about the biggest bank heist in U.S. history. Rangel, who suffered from suicidal ideation, hanged himself at work five days before Torrezs murder and lingered in a coma for months before he died, Murphy said. and she comes home drugged with slashed tires and no She had dreams and she worked for them all her life. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. But I find it hard to understand that. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. S2. 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. Whoops! A Rosenblum said the victim was having issues with drugs around the time of the killing. Cathy's ex-boyfriend Sam Lopez was found guilty in her murder case more than two decades later (Image via MediaNews Group/Getty . Torrez called her mother Feb. 12 from the Sav-On drug store where she worked, giving no indication that anything was amiss. 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. Moreover, the perpetrator, her ex-boyfriend, Samuel Sam Lopez, didnt confess to the crime until 2015. WARNING: This episode includes details from Cathy Torrez's autopsy report that might disturb some listeners. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? Times staff writers Leslie Berkman, Lynn Franey, Rene Lynch and Rebecca Trounson and Times correspondent Terry Spencer contributed to this report. On Feb. 12, 1994, Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez didn't come home from work. - Listen to S2, Ep. The story appears in 2003, and producers from film companies begin to call. Crime Beat podcast - Free on The Podcast App 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. Mary Bennett and Daron Wyatt can't seem to find anyone who cares. In this special episode of Crime Beat, you will meet Janine Madera, a fierce advocate for justice who works as a homicide prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. >> she was so upset. People have approached us and said, Oh, you must be strong. Were not strong. Torrez fought her attacker ferociously and was outside the car, walking in mud, for at least a short time before she was killed, Loomis said. In the months before she died, Cathy was dating Albert Rangel, who wanted more from the relationship than Cathy could give him. Rebecca Lavoie, host of "Crime Writers On," talks with Crime Beat host, Keith Sharon about podcasting, journalism and some of the best true. Witnesses offer conflicting accounts, Mars Voltas lead singer broke with Scientology and reunited with the band. Man pleads guilty in coverup of 1994 murder of Fullerton student The night Torrez disappeared was the first night she had failed to show up at the hospital, they said. Required fields are marked *. The victims arms showed signs of a struggle, according to DAmato, who said he had been briefed by police. We reveal the content of 18 Everything [the prosecutors] said is true. Maurice Isaiah Torres died March 30, 2015, at a Bella Vista hospital. A week later, her body was discovered stabbed to death in the trunk of her own car. Detective Daron Wyatt takes us on a tour of Placentia to show where and how Cathy's murder took place. And for most of that time, the suspected murderer lived across the street. Crime Beat - Podcast Addict DAmato said there are conflicting reports about how long the car was in the hospital parking lot. One of the witnesses makes an incredible revelation. Police still wont say how many times Torrez was stabbed, only that the attacker was seriously disturbed. There was no evidence of sexual assault. Bonus episode: True Crime discussion with Rebecca Lavoie. To Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, that tree only served one purpose. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. Was Cathy Torrez pregnant? Crime Beat One of the witnesses makes an incredible revelation. In the months before she died, Cathy was dating Albert Rangel, who wanted more from the relationship than Cathy could give him. Police believe Sam Lopez is lying about his movements on the night Cathy disappeared. Police believe Torrez met with foul play somewhere in the mile between her job and home but was killed somewhere else. Are you kidding me?. But they can't arrest him because they don't have probable cause. Just finished Season Two. 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. The body of 20-year-old honor student Cathy Torrez was found in the trunk of her car. The Cathy Torrez murder investigation is dead. Sam Lopez takes Cathy on a date, and she comes home drugged with slashed tires and no panties. An autopsy is scheduled for today, according to the Orange County coroners office. Sam Lopez takes Cathy on a date, and she comes home drugged with slashed tires and no panties. February 26, 2015 at 9:28 a.m. Stabbed dozens of times, bleeding profusely and terrified, Cathy Torrez was still alive when she was shoved into the trunk of her own car, a prosecutor said. But it wasnt until DNA on Torrezs shirt and a bloody fingerprint on the outside of the car were linked to Xavier Lopez a decade later that arrests were made. To me, in my heart, I believe Cathy died that Saturday night, Bennett said. Getaway driver Harry Barber starts a new life and tries to live without attracting attention to himself. And for most of that time, the suspected murderer lived across the street. Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window). The situation grew complicated Monday, Murphy told the jury, when Rangel hanged himself at work, ending up comatose. she couldn't believe that someone would do something like that. Torrez ran for her life, Murphy said, but was chased down and stabbed at least 74 times, including a dozen stab wounds on her head alone. One of the stars of the movie based on the heist, Rachael Taylor, chokes up about the real story. Miranda and others like her help Torrezs family keep going. In the weeks preceding her death, Torrez was dating another neighborhood friend with whom she grew up, Albert Rangel, and Lopez was seeing a 17-year- old girl named Perla Diaz, Murphy said. Lopezs attorney, Lewis Rosenblum, claims that only Xavier Lopez is to blame for Torrezs death. Detective Daron Wyatt takes us on a tour of Placentia to show where and how Cathy's murder took place. To Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, that tree only served one purpose. served one purpose. Samuel Lopez attacked Cathy Torrez with a knife, and after she attempted to flee from the vehicle, Samuel Lopez chased after her and stabbed Torrez repeatedly in the face, head and torso. It just seems to be a tragic coincidence that these terrible things have happened to these two kids who knew each other, Taylor said. Weve got to keep it going. I believe that one day it will be solved, for Cathy and for us. 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. Skip to 9:40 to avoid those details. About 10 minutes earlier, Torrez had called her mother from the store--located about a mile from her home--and indicated she would be home shortly, police and family have said. She had been stabbed about 70 times. Torrez spent several days at the hospital, where she sat with the (Rangel) family and she cried with the family, the prosecutor said. In this special episode of Crime Beat, you will meet Janine Madera, a fierce advocate for justice who works as a homicide prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney's Office. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Check for a confirmation email, and then you're all set with MyNewsLA.com! 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. A former getaway driver and the writer who captured his story have a big week. Would justice ever be served? The next day, a Sunday, Torrezs older sister and her best friend both testified that Lopez had asked Torrez to elope. For the first couple of nights she was crying very badly, Orosco said. Then something changed, Virginia Gov. A former getaway driver and the writer who captured his story have a big week. Tragic story Cathy had an incredible mom & family! A friend of Torrez testified that Lopez had gotten angry during a date he had with Torrez a week before she disappeared in February 1994, when he apparently spotted a hickey that Alberto Rangel, another friend of Torrezs, had given her. Officers patrolling the parking lot at Placentia-Linda Community Hospital early Saturday recognized Torrezs burgundy Toyota Corolla, police said. 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. It was senseless.. A former getaway driver and the writer who captured his story have a big week. They came from traditional families and it appears the two had a wholesome relationship and never had sex together, Murphy said. With dozens of family and friends in attendance, the closing statements were moved to a larger courtroom. . 28 minutes | Oct 24, 2019 . Everyone is surprised, Bernal said. In the months before she died, Cathy was dating Albert Rangel, who wanted more from the relationship than Cathy could give him. Crime Beat, Season 2 focuses on Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, and her extraordinary 21-year quest for justice. The community that renamed a childrens learning center in Torrezs memory keeps hoping for an answer. panties. Stabbed dozens of times, bleeding profusely and terrified, Cathy Torrez was still alive when she was shoved into the trunk of her own car, a prosecutor said Wednesday as he outlined a brutal slaying that was as cold blooded as you can possibly get.. The killer who stabbed Torrez repeatedly, stuffed her body into the trunk of her 1990 Toyota and left it parked in the Placentia Linda Community Hospital parking lot has not been found, despite a reward of nearly $36,000. 10.31.2019 S2, Ep. But one of them got another idea. The Cathy Torrez murder investigation is dead. WARNING: This episode includes details from Cathy Torrez's autopsy report that might disturb some listeners. Cathy Torrez, a 20-year-old Cal State Fullerton student, was murdered in 1994. NBCs Dateline: The Promise profiles the disappearance and murder of 20-year-old Cathy Torrez, who was last seen alive leaving her job at a local drug store on February 12, 1994. 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. On Feb. 19, 2019, police made an arrest in the cold-case killing of 11-year-old Linda O'Keefe, who was strangled in Orange County in 1973. Cathy doesn't come home after working a shift at Sav-On. 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. If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. We use cookies to enhance your experience, analyze site traffic, and serve tailored ads. 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. Dateline NBC : WRC : April 24, 2015 9:00pm-11:01pm EDT : Free Borrow Getaway driver Harry Barber starts a new life and tries to live without attracting attention to himself. He has also criticized police missteps during the initial investigation, which included not photographing some evidence at the scene and not comparing Xavier Lopezs prints or DNA to evidence found on the car until three years after the killing. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. A week later, her body was discovered stabbed to death in t We reveal the content of 18 letters between Cathy and Sam. Outside the store, a lone flyer bearing Torrezs smiling, friendly face lay in a shopping cart. 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. Rosenblum began his closing statements Wednesday and will continue Thursday. The letters were discovered after Cathy died. For more than 20 years, her mother fought for justice. 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. But I dont believe that was the case. More than two decades after Torrez went missing, only to have her body discovered in the trunk of her car a week later, closing arguments began Wednesday in the trial of Sam Lopez, Torrezs neighbor and high-school sweetheart who authorities believe killed her out of jealousy. And find out what a master thief thinks of the movie about the biggest bank heist in U.S. history. An officer at the scene got the impression the two had been arguing, the prosecutor said. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Mass shooting leaves 3 women and 1 man dead in the Mojave Desert as detectives search for answers, Copenhagen mayor to Californias Danish Capital: Stop acting homophobic, Ryan Fellows is killed in a car crash while filming Street Outlaws. To Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, that tree only served one purpose. Witnesses offer conflicting accounts, Mars Voltas lead singer broke with Scientology and reunited with the band. And find out what a master thief thinks of the movie about the biggest bank heist in U.S. history. 3: Cathy Can't Remember. Sign up here for our free newsletters. Each season explores a different crime, beginning with the biggest bank heist in American history. Cathy doesn't come home after working a shift at Sav-On. This particular story is new, not redone by every podcaster out there. After Cathy Torrez was murdered in 1994, Girl Scouts planted a tree to honor her. All episodes of Crime Beat - Chartable tree to honor her. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? Minimum and not annoying ads! To Cathy's mother, Mary Bennett, that tree only served one purpose. Police say they have few new leads but are following up on every tip. But those who knew Torrez conceded that the hard-working, responsible woman was not the type to go anywhere without informing her family. Join us for a heavy dose of research with a dash of comedy thrown in for flavor. Thu, 31 Oct 2019 - 32min. Subsequently, in May of 2015, Sam was sentenced for the same. Were a family. 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. The body of 20-year-old honor student Cathy Torrez was found in the trunk of her car. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? >> reporter: and now 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. Murphy signaled he will argue that Lopez had the opportunity to commit the crime while with his cousin, Xavier Javier Lopez, that night. Lopez remained stoic, staring straight ahead during the hearing, as he has for the entire trial. Please reload the page and try again. Cathy Torrez Murder: How Did She Die? Who Killed Her? - The Cinemaholic 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. 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. Introducing Crime Beat: Stealing Nixons Millions, Find out the real story behind the biggest bank heist in American history, the burglary at the heart of the new movie Finding Steve McQueen.. 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. After Cathy Torrez was murdered in 1994, Girl Scouts planted a tree to honor her. Whats With That?Example, S1, Ep4, 27-minute mark the narration is backed by an intense wiry electric guitar and it is ANNOYING.So far, 3 Stars will see how it goes. week After Cathy Torrez was murdered in 1994, Girl Scouts planted a The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. Tragic, to see it all stolen from them. Even if youre standing there in the middle of a murder scene, now you know where it happened, but you still arent any closer to who did it.. Nobody wanted to give Sam a chance, Rosenblum said. With the bank breached, and the FBI scrambling to find clues, the boys from Youngstown tried to slip away and one of them got farther than he ever dreamed. Mary Bennett and Daron Wyatt can't seem to find anyone who cares. For more than 20 years, her mother fought for justice. ), 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. Cathy doesn't come home after working a shift at Sav-On. In his closing statements, Murphy claimed Lopez picked up his cousin, Xavier Lopez, and met Torrez in the parking lot. Lopez was angered when he was told Torrez was keeping vigil at the hospital, Murphy said. Prosecutor: Jealousy fueled ex-boyfriend in '94 Placentia stabbing Parole denied for killer of Cal State Fullerton student Cathy Torrez in Bonus Episode 1: The Girl Who Wouldn't Be Forgotten. We meet Cathy Torrez, Mary Bennett and the people in their neighborhood. Yet, before the penalty was handed down, he made a surprise apology and acknowledged his role in his girlfriends murder for the first time. Police believe Sam Lopez is lying about his movements on the night Cathy disappeared. Our regular podcast, "Crime Beat," Season One: "Stealing Nixon's Millions" will continue as scheduled with Episode 5. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? More than two decades after Cathy Torrez was stabbed dozens of times and her slashed body found in the trunk of her car, family members filled the Santa Ana courtroom of Judge David Hoffer as. As she left, she said, Ill see you tomorrow, Orosco recalled. Where is Sam Lopez Now? - The Cinemaholic Theres a lot of people in Placentia and somebody must have seen something, said Tina Miranda, who began making the hearts of innocence for mourners at Torrezs rosary and funeral. A week later, her body was discovered . Rosenblum said much of the prosecutions evidence is based on hearsay, and told jurors that investigators did not find his clients DNA or prints on the victims car and made mistakes in the case. Find out the real story behind the biggest bank heist in American history, the burglary at the heart of the new movie Finding Steve McQueen., Southern California News Group: Keith Sharon, reporter for the Orange Count, 26 - S2, Ep. Were waiting for answers. Samuel Agustin Lopez, 43, is accused of fatally stabbing 20-year-old Cal State Fullerton student Cathy Torrez on Feb. 12, 1994. all of this just days before cathy disappeared. . She has tried 72 trials and won 57 convictions without hearing a word of testimony. For more than 20 years, her mother fought for justice. PLACENTIA Cal State Fullerton honor student Cathy Torrez, whose baffling disappearance a week ago prompted her family to launch a communitywide search, was found dead in her car early. BENTONVILLE Cathy Lynn Torres will spend the rest of her life in prison for her role in the death of her 6-year-old son. WARNING: This episode includes details from Cathy Torrez's autopsy report that might disturb some listeners. The Dateline Saturday Night Mystery episode 'The Promise' investigates the 1994 disappearance and murder of Cathy Torrez. The last person we meet is Sam Lopez, who lives across the street. letters between Cathy and Sam. 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. After moving to an unknown location Samuel Lopez got out of the car and opened Torrez's trunk. In this special episode of Crime Beat, you will meet Janine Madera, a fierce advocate for justice who works as a homicide prosecutor in the Orange County District Attorney's Office.