KANNAPOLIS, NC – A tragic sequence of events unfolded early Thursday morning when a man fatally shot his wife and her daughter outside a county social services office. The suspect, identified by police as Raphael Lopez, led authorities on a high-speed chase before taking his own life, leaving the community grappling with the aftermath.
The incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. in the parking lot of the Cabarrus County Human Services Center. The victims, Maria Julian Picardo and her 19-year-old daughter, Yaman Sosa Julian, were reportedly on their way to a meeting at the center to discuss a prior domestic violence incident involving Lopez. Despite the removal of firearms from their home and a protective order in place, Lopez managed to acquire a gun, raising questions about how he circumvented these measures.
Emergency services were alerted by a distressed 911 caller who reported hearing gunshots in the vicinity. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered the bodies of Maria and Yaman, setting off a search for Lopez, who had fled the scene. A Cabarrus County deputy, already nearby, quickly engaged in pursuit, which spanned into neighboring Rowan County.
The chase reached speeds of up to 70 mph as multiple agencies collaborated to intercept Lopez. It concluded when Lopez stopped on Lower Palmer Road in Rockwell, where he fatally shot himself. Authorities are now piecing together the series of events that led to this tragic conclusion, focusing on Lopez’s previous charges of misdemeanor domestic assault.
The domestic violence incident that preceded this tragedy occurred on February 1, when Lopez allegedly attempted to smother Maria and threatened both her and Yaman with a gun. Despite being charged and released on a $5,000 bond, Lopez reportedly expressed suicidal thoughts to responding officers, highlighting the volatile nature of the situation.
Court documents reveal that Maria and her daughter were actively seeking help and protection, underscoring the challenges faced by domestic violence victims. The community is left mourning their loss, with local organizations emphasizing the importance of resources available for those in similar situations.
In the wake of this heartbreaking event, the Safe Alliance Hopeline, a 24-hour resource for victims of domestic violence, has been highlighted as a crucial support system. The hotline can be reached at 980-771-HOPE, providing assistance to those in need.