Pinal County Man Sentenced to Life in Brutal Domestic Violence Murder

Pinal County Attorney Announces Life Sentence in Brutal Domestic Violence Murder

News source: PCAO

FLORENCE, AZ — Pinal County Attorney Brad Miller announced today that Javier Lopez, who pled guilty to the charges of First Degree Premeditated Murder, a Class 1 Felony on August 12, 2025, was sentenced to natural life in prison without the possibility of release on Friday.

The case stems from the horrific murder of Christina Lopez, the estranged wife of the defendant. The defendant brutally stabbed her 43 times on April 11, 2024. At the time of the attack, one of the couple’s three children was waiting outside the home in a vehicle. The teen asked his father if he had hurt his mother after hearing screaming and crying inside the home.

“This was a calculated, premeditated act of murder that robbed a mother of her life and young children of their mother,” said County Attorney Miller. “Domestic violence is a scourge on our communities, and my office will continue to pursue the strongest penalties available under the law for those who commit such heinous crimes. These children will grow up without their mother’s love and comfort as they go through their lives.”

County Attorney Miller commends the work of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office who investigated this crime along with Prosecutor Shawn Jensvold and the team from the Pinal County Attorney’s Office for their work on this case.

County Attorney Miller emphasized the importance of community vigilance in preventing domestic violence:

“Too often, these cases begin with patterns of control, intimidation, and escalating abuse. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help. There are resources, advocates, and law enforcement partners ready to stand with you. This sentence ensures that this individual will never again harm another person, but it also reminds us of the urgent work still ahead to protect families.”