Family of slain Moreno Valley teen seeks community’s help in finding killer

The family of Norma Lopez, the 17-year-old Moreno Valley girl who was abducted and later found dead, thanked the community Thursday for its support and urged everyone to help police track down the killer.

Clutching photographs of Norma’s first Communion and family trips to Disneyland and Mexico, her father and sister spoke of a bright, spirited teenager determined to graduate from high school and pursue her dreams of becoming a fashion designer and makeup artist.

“My heart is broken,” said her older sister, Elizabeth Lopez. “But we’re trying to find the person responsible for this to pay for what he has done.”

A day after police confirmed Norma’s death, family members spoke to reporters gathered on their front lawn, thanking everyone who assisted with the search after Norma disappeared July 15.

They shared details of their final moments with Norma, the daily morning chatter that will remain with them forever. Hours before she disappeared, Norma burst into Elizabeth’s room to borrow her shoes. As payment, Norma made her sister a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, decorated with a happy face made from a banana.

“That’s the last time I saw my sister,” Elizabeth recalled.

Norma Lopez was reported missing when she didn’t return from summer school at Valley View High School, triggering a citywide search. Investigators said they found some of the girl’s belongings, as well as signs of a struggle, in a vacant field along Cottonwood Avenue, a shortcut she took every day to a friend’s house.

Her body was found Tuesday in a grassy field on the eastern edge of town. Authorities declined to provide any further details.

On Thursday, Riverside County sheriff’s deputies set up a checkpoint a block from where Norma was abducted, handing out fliers and asking drivers if they had any information. Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Joe Borja said investigators continue to scour the area for evidence and clues, but no suspects have emerged in the case.

The slaying has put the Riverside County community on edge. Police are telling parents to keep close track of their children.

The Lopez family moved to Moreno Valley nine years ago from La Puente. Her mother was too distraught to appear at the family news conference. .

“My mom was heartbroken since the first day,” Elizabeth said. “She just wished she could have done something.”

Authorities urge anyone with information about the case to call (877) 242-4345, or send an e-mail to findnormaskiller@riversidesheriff.org.

phil.willon@latimes.com