In a case that has elicited outrage throughout Philadelphia, a 13-year-old girl pulled her own hair in a last-ditch attempt to leave enough DNA evidence to convict her alleged s*xual assaulter.
According to officials, 19-year-old Angel Lopez lured the girl through conversations on TikTok over four days. Lopez then paid for an Uber to bring the girl to his home, where he proceeded to offer her drugs and ab*se her.
Appearing in court last Thursday (April 10), Lopez was charged with eight different crimes related to coercing and having illicit intimate acts with a minor, as well as carrying illegal substances.
The girl, whose identity has been protected, was motivated to leave strategically placed strands of her hair in the bedroom after Lopez threatened her by telling her that “nobody would ever find her” if he were caught.
13YO Girl pulled her own hair in order to leave DNA evidence behind to convict her assaulter
Image credits: Michael Förtsch / Unsplash (Not the actual photo)
The Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office provided a detailed breakdown of Lopez’ charges.
Image credits: WTAE
“Kidnapping a minor, trafficking, involuntary deviate s*xual intercourse of a person less than 16, unlawful contact of a minor, interference with child custody, statutory s*xual assault, aggravated indecent assault of a child, s*xual abuse of a child, corruption of minors and criminal use of a communication facility.”
Image credits: WTAE
After the girl was assaulted, Lopez allegedly told her to “wash his DNA off her” and threatened her, implying that he would make her disappear if she spoke about what had transpired.
“He had mentioned to her that nobody would ever find her,” said Detective Sergeant Justin Scalzo.
Image credits: Solen Feyissa / Unsplash (Not the actual photo)
“That was concerning. And that actually prompted the victim in this case to pull out strands of her hair and try to leave them around the apartment, saying that later that if nobody found her, maybe they could at least find her DNA.”
Lopez lured his victim via TikTok and threatened self-harm if she didn’t comply with his demands
Image credits: Andrej Lišakov / Unsplash (Not the actual photo)
“I want you to leave no trace behind,” read a text message allegedly sent by Lopez, who was adamant that the girl should not bring any electronic devices with her to the meeting.
Image credits: WTAE
During the four-day period, Lopez exchanged 1,862 printed pages worth of messages with his victim, with the relationship turning s*xual via explicit messages prior to the assault.
Realizing what was happening, the girl expressed her apprehension about going to Philadelphia to meet Lopez, who then threatened self-harm if she did not comply with his demands.
The victim was reported missing by her family on March 14. Police pinged her phone to a location near Lopez’ apartment.
Image credits: Valeriia Miller / Unsplash (Not the actual photo)
“I hate him so bad; he took the innocence of my daughter,” the girl’s mother said in an interview with local media.
“These girls—they’re young—they’re going through changes… so to be groomed and to be lured, it’s very easy to get their attentions.”
Lopez is currently in custody at Westmoreland County Prison. His next court date is set for May 14.
“Horrible.” Netizens expressed their sympathy and wished for the girl to get the treatment she needs
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