AVONDALE, PA — In a case that has puzzled law enforcement for over three decades, the Pennsylvania State Police in Avondale are renewing their efforts to locate Vincente Lopez, a man implicated in a fatal shooting on July 31, 1987. The incident, which occurred amidst the mushroom workers’ living quarters in East Marlborough Township, Chester County, left one victim dead following an altercation and subsequent gunfire.
On that fateful summer day, witnesses reported seeing Juan Lopez (now deceased) and Vincente Lopez arrive at the scene in an orange Chevrolet Nova. Vincente, who was a passenger in the car, engaged in a heated argument with the victim upon arrival. The dispute quickly escalated, resulting in Vincente allegedly drawing a firearm. A struggle ensued, during which Vincente is said to have shot the victim multiple times, ultimately leading to the victim’s death.
Vincente Lopez, born on May 19, 1943, is described as a Hispanic male with brown/grey hair and brown eyes, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. Adding to the gravity of the situation, Lopez is also wanted in connection with another homicide that took place in Joliet City, Illinois, in 1979. Despite extensive efforts, his whereabouts remain unknown.
At the time of the 1987 incident, Lopez was married to Elene Vazquez and had a daughter named Rosa Linda Lopez, further complicating the narrative surrounding his life and the events leading up to the shooting.
The Pennsylvania State Police and Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers are urging anyone with information about Vincente Lopez or the circumstances surrounding the Chester County killing to come forward. Informants can contact Pennsylvania Crime Stoppers anonymously by calling toll-free at 1-800-4PA-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online.
As with all criminal allegations, it is crucial to remember that an accusation, criminal complaint, or arrest does not equate to guilt. Every individual, including Vincente Lopez, is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
With each passing year, the mystery of what happened on Schoolhouse Road lingers, a stark reminder of the challenges faced by law enforcement in solving cold cases. The continued search for Vincente Lopez not only speaks to the persistence of those seeking justice but also to the enduring hope of finding answers in cases long thought unsolvable.
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