A Heartbreaking Parallel: One Father’s Fight for Justice
Following the tragic death of a three-year-old boy from suspected child abuse last week, a local father who endured a similar tragedy is speaking out. Jesse Lopez, who lost his one-year-old daughter to child abuse in 2021, continues to seek justice while offering words of encouragement to families facing similar grief.
A Father’s Painful Memory
Lopez vividly remembers the moment he received the devastating news about his daughter, Jessell Josephine Lopez. He was working in Michigan when he woke up to multiple missed calls urging him to return home immediately.
“They told me I needed to get on the first flight home, that my daughter was in the hospital, and that was kind of all I knew,” Lopez recalled. “My head was all over the place.”
Child Abuse Charges and Ongoing Legal Battle
Investigators later determined that Jessell had suffered severe head trauma, body bruising, and other injuries. Her mother, Briana Garcia, and Garcia’s boyfriend, Mark Hernandez, were arrested. Hernandez was charged with capital murder, while Garcia faced injury to a child charges.
Despite their arrests, Lopez remains committed to seeking justice for his daughter and hopes her case will finally move forward in court.
Recent Child Abuse Case Brings Back Painful Memories
The tragic death of a three-year-old boy from a brain bleed and fractured skull deeply resonated with Lopez. The child, who also suffered multiple bruises, succumbed to his injuries. Law enforcement apprehended 21-year-old Enrique Lopez (no relation) and charged him with injury to a child, resulting in serious bodily harm.
Upon hearing about the boy’s tragic death, Jesse Lopez expressed his deep sympathy for the grieving family.
“Prayers out to his family. I understand what you’re going through,” he said. “To the father, it is very tough.”
Words of Advice for Families in Abusive Situations
Lopez, who continues to grieve the loss of his daughter, hopes his experience will encourage others facing similar situations to take action.
“If this has happened to you in the past or is happening to you now, try to get out of the situation. It may be hard, but it’s okay,” Lopez advised.
A Father’s Strength: Pushing Forward for Justice
Despite the pain, Lopez finds strength in his son, who keeps him motivated to fight for justice.
“It’s going to hurt. You’ll always think about it, but you have to be the voice for that child,” he said. “You have to push forward and make sure justice is served.”
Lopez remains determined to see his daughter’s case move forward in the legal system so she can finally receive the justice she deserves.