LANCASTER – A 38-year-old man accused of shooting to death a Lancaster man riding his all-terrain cycle in the desert has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Arturo Lopez appeared in an Antelope Valley courtroom Thursday and pleaded not guilty to one count of murder, with an allegation that he personally and intentionally used a rifle to commit the crime, and three counts of possession of a firearm by a felon with one prior (a 1997 conviction for unlawful driving or taking of a vehicle).
The charges stem from the shooting death of 47-year-old Lancaster resident Stephen Finson.
During the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 23, Finson went for a desert ride on his all-terrain cycle, but failed to return home.
Worried family members reported Finson missing, and authorities combed the desert for most of the night looking for the Navy veteran.
Finson was found shot to death the next morning near 135th Street East and Avenue H. Finson was wearing his helmet, and his Honda ATC 250R was upright some 40 to 50 feet north of the dry wash, authorities said.
Lopez was arrested for Finson’s murder on April 30, about two weeks after the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a $10,000 reward for information on the incident.
More details about what allegedly happened will be revealed at a preliminary court hearing, set for May 20. At the conclusion of that hearing, a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence to force Lopez to stand trial.
Lopez has been jailed since his arrest, with bail set at more than $2 million, according to LASD inmate records.
If convicted as charged, Lopez faces 25 years to life in state prison.
UPDATED 5/20/14:
The preliminary court hearing for Arturo Lopez has been postponed to May 27. We will continue to follow this story.
UPDATED 5/27/14:
The preliminary court hearing began Tuesday, May 27 but did not finish for Lopez. Lopez’s former live-in girlfriend, Vanessa Burks, testified that Lopez told her that he thought he had shot and killed someone. She said Lopez made the admission while both were at another friend’s house getting high on meth. Also taking the witness stand Tuesday was Lopez’s friend, Gerardo “Green Eyes” Amaya. Amaya testified that he was riding in a vehicle with Lopez on Feb. 23, 2014, when Lopez stopped the car on Avenue H and said he wanted to “test fire a new pistol.” Amaya said Lopez got out the car and fired a semi-automatic handgun twice towards the desert. Amaya said he remained in the car and did not see if Lopez hit anything. The preliminary court hearing continues Wednesday, May 28 at Antelope Valley courthouse. We will have more at the conclusion of the hearing.
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Previous related stories:
Man charged with murder of Stephen Finson
Suspect arrested for the murder of Stephen Finson
Memorial service to be held for Stephen Finson
Missing man found shot to death
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jr says
The ex girlfriend is living in her car and needs to get her mentally handicap son from the hospital, the same son who Art took care of when she was in prison, 10000 would help. Yes, she is a felon too! And she said ” if he doesn’t get back together with her, he will be sorry”. She is a vindictive liar.
On the fence says
More bad news for Art.
The court ruled today that there is enough evidence to bring the case to trial. On June 11, Art will be back in court to answer to the charges.
On the fence says
Not good news for Art so far.
#1 A friend testifies that Art had stopped the car they were in and fired two shots into the desert on the day and location of the killing.
#2 A former live-in girlfriend testifies that Art admitted that he may have shot and killed someone
#3 We now know that Art is a meth addict.
on his side says
#1 The friend that testified was confused with the questions because the interpreter was NOT translating correctly. And he was changing the witnesses answers.
#2 The Former live in girlfriend also said that they were getting high when art supposedly admitted to a crime. She should also be tested to see if she is still using and nobody should go by her word that she has stopped.
#3 Nobody knows if Art is even still using.
On the right side says
1. The interpreter wasn’t needed the guy speaks perfect English, it was just a he he was playing.
2. Obviously Arturo isn’t using right now he is in custody.
3. Get your facts straight before you post stupid comments.
Good day!
jr says
So you know the guy?? I think not! He does not speak perfect English. But he is playing a game. And the point was the ex girlfriend was high while making her testimony in court. So get your facts straight before you tell anyone their comments are stupid.
On the fence says
You can be on his side when Art is serving time in prison. You will proclaim his innocence long after a jury convicts him.
If you are really on his side, you better get Art a really good lawyer, a public defender is not good enough to keep Art out of prison.
Unless Art is getting meth in jail then he probably is not using at the moment.
on his side says
You don’t need to concern yourself with how his friends and family intend to help him as far as a lawyer goes.
I mentioned that they should test the witness about using because obviously she was also a user of meth and should be tested to prove that she has stopped as she said in court.
John says
Seeing Arturo Lopez’s family and friends rally in support of him shows much about his moral qualities, though it does not infer his innocence of the crime for they are bias. There is much heartache for both families because of the actions someone else had done, I recognize the reality of that.
Is Mr. Lopez guilty of murder? I don’t know and will reserve the answer to that question after a jury finds him guilty or not guilty. It is with bittersweet feelings that a suspect has been apprehended and charged for the crime. No person deserves to live a life of freedom after this type of crime and people want so badly to find the person that did this. I would prefer a guilty man go free than see an innocent man convicted and sent to prison.
On His Side #3 says
MY family will NEVER look bad over hear say.
Mr Law abiding citizen , clearly you have NO idea what they’re holding him for because it’s not murder , they have nothing to connect him to it they’re keeping him in there over other charges so you’re just another person coming on here making your opinions with no facts , what is that called ? OH ignorance.
Finson family needs to watch their back from what ? No ones playing the victim .. both men are both victims.
Yeah we’ll see if they get caught saying hi to a member of their family who’s in there when he doesn’t need to be .. that’s not disrespectful at all . the Lopez family knows respect and gives it , they make no disrespectful gestures or look towards the Finson family .
The Finson family lost a family member yes , and they decide to blame the suspects (who they have Nothingg on) family for it for supporting a member of their family that’s hasn’t been convicted of anything ?
The Lopez family doesn’t turn their back on anyone over words.
We will see on the next court date.
FamilyFriend says
I am a personal friend of the family unfortunately I have not had the chance to attend one of the hearings and see everything that’s going on that the people of this site are talking about yet but I have talked with the family and know for a fact they do not blame anyone for anything all they want it the person who murdered there loved one off the streets this was a senseless act of stupidity and I hope this is a fast trial so every one can know the truth .God bless
Law Abiding Citizen says
Your thoughts that they have no evidence is absurd. That’s not how the law works. If they didn’t have evidence they wouldn’t be holding him and charging him with murder. I don’t think anyone in the Finson family is being intimidating, they have just learned to watch their back. When it comes to presentation in the court room the Lopez family is the ones who make gestures to Arturo when there are clearly signs that prohibit that and hopefully they will get caught by the bailiff next time. Please stop accusing the Finson family of wrong doing when all they have done is lost their family member forever and have taken and done all the actions required by law. The Lopez family is not victims so stop saying they are, their family member is still walking this earth, the Finson’s isn’t. Please stop trying to play the victim in the situation it only makes your family look bad.
on his side #2 says
The Finson family has no reason to watch their back. if they feel they need to then that shall be their decision ,but from the Lopez family is not needed. Their has not been ANY action from the Lopez family in court for them to feel a such way. the flyers is what is prohibited , but they didn’t get caught! Don’t preach about a family member not walking the earth anymore My heart does go out to them but however they are NOT the only ones who have lost a family member.
the gesture is sign language it mean “I Love You” look it up.
jr says
You must be related to Owens, go ahead and believe that they are there to protect and serve the people. Its has become quite clear to me over the years they are all about protecting and serving their own butts, and those who give donations, or kiss their butts. And just in case you have any questions, no I have never been arrested, just someone who has seen the real injustice done by “authorities”.
On His Side #3 says
sad family ? yeah while they laugh and joke around as we all wait for Arturo’s case to be called. What happened to innocent until proven guilty ? they have no evidence to say Arturo is guilty. so both Steve Finson and Arturo Lopez are victims , Mr Finson for obviously being the one not here and Arturo Lopez for being held with no evidence.
why would you look over your shoulder also ? as if the Lopez family did it ?
they’re also going through pain , not just the Finson family.
The trial will tell all.
lawman1 says
Flyers with murderer not possible they would have ben throne out of the court room just like the tuff guy that was there today so there’s more rumours
Sad family that just wants closure far from intimadating. remember there the victims in this case and have no control over who the detectives collect evidence on and id look over my sholder to in the court room if one of my family members wer murdered. only the trail will tell all. some one knows something and there going to come forward I know I could use sum reward money in this economy.
On his side says
The fliers weren’t seen until Arturo came up to the window so that people could see him and the judge was looking down filling out papers. So no they weren’t thrown but the fliers were there with murderer on them!!! Learn your facts
On His Side #3 says
#1 What evidence ?
The only evidence they have is from the first suspect they had and ,who knows why they didn’t continue to question him.
#2 Look at Arts family and then you can determine if he’s or if they’re racist.
#3 Like someone said how can you say racism occurred when Mr Finson had a helmet on no way you could see his race.
#4 Since when can you confirm something over hear-say ? if that was the case wouldn’t almost everyone having a case be locked up for that ?
#5 The flyers with murderer across them is unnecessary .. I understand the family wants closure but where’s the evidence that puts art at the scene ? once again .. hear-say.
#6 The Lopez name is NOT destroyed over what someone ‘says’ Arturo Lopez did this and has never been destroyed and will never be
#7 No comments were ever made from the Lopez family ,The Finson family likes to think they’re intimidating in court I’ve noticed.
#8 You guys don’t know Arturo Lopez so how can you judge over past mistakes made , everyone makes mistakes and if you knew him you’d know he learned from them.
#9 WHERE IS THE EVIDENCE.
John E. says
Art is a good man? Art and his family aren’t racist? Apparently you weren’t in the courtroom listening to his families comments to the Finson family and friends who were present. Very racially motivated and disrespectful. There is a thing called freedom of speech. Both parties can say or write whatever they please. All I know is the evidence clearly without question points to Arturo as the shooter, and it will come to a conclusion when the trial is over. Since when are wife, girlfriend beaters good people? Since when do good people jeopardize the safety of their children? Look up Arturos record of domestic violence and tell me he is a “Good” man. Good menblove and treat the women they love with respect. Respect is clearly something Arturo knows little about and has no experience in practicing it.
Two families are hurting due to Arturo’s bad choices in life that led to a final act resulting in the death of a GOOD MAN. Art will get a Life sentence and his family loses his presence at home. The Finson family will never see Steve again… No visits, birthday parties no hugs, smiles… nothing.
AVSCUMBAGHATERS says
Ok well sence know one thinks art did then who did if you guys would pay attention you would know there’s still $10,000 up for grabs so if art is such a great guy why won’t one of his friend’s or family come forward with info and stop this for there loved one.I think the truth will come out soon enough and the others involved if there were any will be behind bars soon if any one has the balls to come forward and help get this scum bag put in a cage forever so both of these families may get sum kind of closure . Remember !!!! $$$$$ 10,000 $$$$$$ yes that’s cash money folks think about it ………until then we can all just sit back and watch the judge and jury work there magic.
farmerJ says
THIS MAN HAS BEN DESTROYING HIS FATHERS GOOD NAME FOR YEARS KNOW MATTER HOW MANY CHANCES HE WAS GIVEN HE STILL ROBS STEALS AND DEALS TO GET BY ITS SAD IT TOOK A TRAGIC EVENT LIKE THIS BEFORE THEY PUT HIM AWAY I GUESS THE EAST SIDE CAN GET SUM SLEEP NOW R.I.P STEVE FINSON You Will Be Missed Forever.
on his side #2 says
I was there in the court room so obviously you weren’t ! no one said any racial comments ! I am half white there is no racism at all. no one is disrespectful to the Finson family ,if anything they turn around and stare! There is every single race in the Lopez family you obviously don’t know what your talking about! So therefore this was obvious that you heard this because if however you were there you would see there is no racism ,and no disrespect !!! you have a blessed day! the court room will settle ALL !
devoted says
I was in the courtroom today. The only ones that had no respect for family members were the victims family and friends. And it has been that way since the very first court date. You all think you know Arturo so well, did you know he has a child that adores him, that he has sat with and colored with, that he made sure he gave her a hug every night even if she was already asleep when he got home. Took her for an ice cream, helped her tie her shoes when she was getting ready for school in the morning , and fixed her bike for her. And always made sure she had what she needed, even if it meant he did without. She calls him daddy and he calls her his little princess. If you didn’t know any of that, then you don’t know him. We have all made mistakes in our past, some worse than others. People change they are funny like that the pathetic ones are the ones that refuse to remember that!
On his side says
The Lopez family showed no disrespect towards the Finson family. I was there in the courtroom. If anyone was rude it was the Finson family. The Lopez family understands that you have a great loss and we hope they find the man that truly did it, but in the mean time don’t take your hurt out on the Lopez family. We are there to find out the truth just as they are. As far as racism goes I am also half white and art is far from racist!!! And Arturo is A GOOD MAN!!!! Arturo has done nothing to hurt his girlfriend or the kids.
On his side #2 says
All this racism comments are ridiculous, you shouldn’t speak about Arturo if you don’t him personally. False rumors can be made upon anyone. Now today in court the victims family held flyers with Stevens Finson’s photo with the word “Murderer” spelled across, showing them to Arturo. I find it very ironic that the community can make all these rumors, and people will believe them instantly. I understand completely that the family wants justice for what happened, but the actions that took place today is very childish. Everyone has right to give an opinion but to make up rumors is another thing. I DO NOT care what anyone has to say about my comment.
Don’t you know a person who makes assumptions makes an ass of themselves. Get your facts in order first. NOT RUMORS !
None says
I don’t understand how people say this man is resist cuz he has a white girlfriend and has 3 white step kids this is just crazy how someone can be convicted of something he never even did they have nothing on him that he did this they just think it because he what he looks like he is not a gang banger I know this man very well m he wouldn’t do something like this to loose his family… This man is not resist at all n they have no evidence against art this shouldn’t even be in the court anymore
gm says
sounds like a typical gang banger..
I don’t feel sorry for him or his family.
the people make excuses why he was shot..
.some of the people in the AV try to make the criminal always look like he’s a good guy .
Thats. B.S
you have to remember it’s only racist when a white person does something.to another race
jr says
It’s because of people like you that racism still exists. You look at a person and label them.
On his side says
Exactly. You should never judge someone by the way they look. Maybe if you give them a chance and get to know them, they will surprise you. Art is a good man.
[removed] says
Poor guy! My condolences go out to the families of both the victim and the suspect. I know the Lopez’ did all that they could for Art despite his problems. He was probably shooting at the Lechuza, again.
On his side says
I hope art gets to go home soon. My condolences to the victims family and to arts family. Based on these articles that have been written, I don’t believe there is enough evidence it even says that the judge has to decide if there is enough evidence for a trial.
Pasquale says
I wonder if the DA on the case should make this a hate crime. The man arrested looks Hispanic/Latino, and the victim looks Caucasian. Since there doesn’t appear to be a motive, to me, it kind of looks like he may have shot the victim because of the victim’s ethnicity. ;)
Am I going to far with this? I guess if it were a white man who shot a non-white person in the same way, people would be screaming “hate crime!” :)
Matt K. says
Both men are racially white/Caucasian. One happens to be non-Hispanic and one happens to be Hispanic. Sure, this was a crime, but not a “hate crime”.
Don’t try to make it something it’s not.
Eric says
If a crime is violent, it is a “hateful” crime. The hate crime enhancement is a joke.
Pasquale says
LOL
Matt K., how do you rationalize both men being “racially white” and one of them being “Hispanic?” LOL
The accused shooter has a Hispanic name and looks Hispanic.
With organizations like “La Raza” (which means “the Race”), I’m surprised that you don’t seem to be aware of racism against whites by non-whites. It exists more than you think.
Also my point about the “hate crime”
Pasquale says
Woops…to continue what I was saying,
Also, my point about the “hate crime” allegation is specifically because there doesn’t appear to be a motive. The ATV wasn’t stolen, robbery doesn’t seem to be a motive at all, and they don’t appear to have known each other. We have a Caucasian man minding his own business who was shot by a Hispanic man in the middle of nowhere and for no apparent reason. ;)
On his side says
Did you forget the part where there might not even be enough evidence for a trial!?!? Just because police say that he did it, doesn’t make it true. You shouldn’t make an opinion with so little facts. I may not have all the facts but I’m also not saying it was or was not a hate crime and I’m not saying the man is quilt your innocent. But I know this man and I know that he would never do something like this. If anyone should be accused of hate crimes or racism it’s the police. They arrested a man without even having enough evidence against him..
just saying….
Pasquale says
Matt K.
I’ll say this more clearly for you. Robbery doesn’t seem to have been a motive. The ATV wasn’t taken, and the victim doesn’t appear to have had anything stolen from him. The men, it appears, did not know each other. What we have is a Caucasian man doing something completely innocent, riding an ATV in the desert in broad daylight getting shot by a Hispanic man with a rifle. ;) I also don’t think, as was suggested in another comment, that Arturo Lopez had any problems at all. It takes effort to shoot a man on a moving vehicle, and in broad daylight, there is no way that the man on the ATV could have been mistaken for a “lechuza” or any other bird. LOL
Go and look at organizations like “La Raza,” and tell me that they are not racist against whites. ;)
Eric says
We spent the better part of this country’s life with racism against minorities. I do not want to see that used as a justification for racism against Caucasian.
Similarly, groups like the KKK should not be justification for minority hate groups, nor should minority groups be justification for hate groups like the KKK. Stop separating people based on income, race, religion, sexuality, etc. etc, and start treating people as people. Hate crime enhancement needs to be done away with all together.
chuckie g says
Av was a beautiful place until it got populated with thugs and gang bangers. they destroy everything.
On his side says
If you don’t know him them you don’t know his personal life. He is a good man.there is not enough evidence for anything. Where’s the evidence that puts art at the scene of the crime?? Nobody ever printed an article about that!
John says
Mr. Finson still had his helmet on when he was shot. Would be hard to prove in court that Mr. Lopez knew the race of the victim.
On his side says
EXACTLY!!! Thank you! There is no proof of a hate crime.
jr says
If you know the Lopez family then you would know they are NOT racist, and they do NOT hate.
On his side says
I do know the Lopez family and I know for a fact that Arturo is not racist!