Crimefighters: Who killed Emilio Lopez?

Rick Williams Image
Sunday, June 22, 2014
VIDEO: Crimefighters: Who killed Emilio Lopez?
Every year since her son's 2010 murder, a Northeast Philadelphia mother has spoken out to find the person responsible - she is once again pleading for help.

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Every year since her son's 2010 murder, a Northeast Philadelphia mother has spoken out to find the person responsible - she is once again pleading for help.

"He was such a humble kid, he was so lovable," said Nilsa Romero, mother.

Romero remembers her son Emilio Lopez's strong spirit and his love of sports and making music.

"I have a whole CD of his music. And I actually got like two or three videos of him too, so I'm able to at least - at least I have that," said Romero.

On Tuesday, September 28, 2010, her 18-year-old son told her he was going to a friend's house for a cookout.

Just before 11 p.m., shots rang out on the 7200 block of Rupert Street in Northeast Philadelphia.

Lopez was in a car with some friends when they say someone in a mask approached them.

"They said my son tried to fight whoever it was, like when he got out of the car he tried to fight him so he shot my son," said Romero.

Lopez was hit multiple times and died. No one else was injured.

With at least three witnesses to the shooting, Lopez's mother believes someone knows something.

"I know somebody knows something, whether they want to come forward or not, or if they're afraid, I don't know. But I know somebody gotta know something," said Romero.

Romero, says she's going to keep fighting for justice.

"I'm never gonna stop. Hopefully one day, I pray that it's before I die," she said through tears.

The Citizens Crime Commission is administering a $2,000 reward while the City of Philadelphia is offering up to $20,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

You can make an anonymous call to the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS (8477) or you can call the police hotline at 215-686-TIPS (8477).