Justice Upheld: DA’s Office Convicts Lopez Brothers in Deadly Shooting

The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office announces the convictions of Cesar Lopez and Luis Lopez for the murder of Viviana Valadez and the attempted murder of Emilio Morales, following a violent incident on December 17, 2023, in Stockton.

District Attorney Ron Freitas extends his utmost gratitude to Deputy District Attorney Theresa Stroud, Victim Witness Advocate Maritza Vasquez, and the Stockton Police Department for their exceptional dedication and professionalism in securing justice in this case.

The verdicts, delivered in Department 8D include the following:

•  Cesar Lopez: Guilty of second-degree murder of Viviana Valadez, attempted second-degree murder of Emilio Morales, and violation of a domestic violence criminal protective order (PC 166(C)(1)). Maximum exposure: 23 years to life.

•  Luis Lopez: Guilty of second-degree murder of Viviana Valadez with a firearm enhancement (PC 12022.53(D)) for discharge causing great bodily injury/death, and guilty of attempted second-degree murder of Emilio Morales with the same firearm enhancement. Maximum exposure: 47 years to life.

Case Details: On December 17, 2023, Cesar Lopez, under a domestic violence protective order, tracked Viviana Valadez to Clay Street in Stockton, where she was with Emilio Morales. With his brother Luis Lopez, Cesar arrived in a Dodge Challenger. Luis shot both victims, killing Valadez and injuring Morales. Cesar assaulted Valadez and chased Morales. Both identified the brothers as their attackers. Cesar surrendered to Phoenix Police the next day; Luis was arrested in Idaho on December 24, 2023.

District Attorney Ron Freitas stated: “The convictions of Cesar and Luis Lopez demonstrate that violent crime will face severe consequences in San Joaquin County. My office is dedicated to upholding the law and ensuring justice is served for victims through the diligent efforts of our team and law enforcement.”

Sentencing is scheduled for September 29, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 8D.