A stabbing that occurred after a large fight broke out Friday evening in a Keyes house party ended the life of a 20-year-old woman and leaves her family and friends grief-stricken.
Emily Lopez was killed in the melee that took place in the 5400 block of Jennie Avenue.
At approximately 10:42 p.m., Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of a woman stabbed at the party. Deputies arrived on scene to find several people on the street and located two stabbing victims, both women, on the ground. Lopez was unresponsive on the ground, while the other victim was alert and conscious. Deputies began medical care on both victims until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene within minutes.
Despite lifesaving measures, Lopez died at the scene.
The other woman who was stabbed was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Several others were sustained injuries ranging from being punched and kicked, to subjects being hit in the head with objects. They were all treated at the scene and refused a trip to the hospital.
Deputies detained and interviewed several persons who remained in the house where the party had occurred but all were released.
Detectives are actively investigating leads and attempting to identify the suspects in the altercation. The Sheriff’s Department stated: “We know that several subjects who were attending the party but were not involved in the fight recorded the incident on their cell phones. We ask anyone with information or video of the incident to contact the Sheriff’s Office.”
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Sheriff’s Detective M. Wyatt at 209-525-7091 or submit anonymous tips to Stanislaus Area Crime Stoppers at 866-602-7463.
A GoFundMe account has been established by Carla Barajas, Emily’s sister, to help the Lopez family bury their daughter. The page, found at
https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-emilys-life-after-tragic-loss reads in part:
“Our family is experiencing unimaginable grief, and it still doesn’t feel real.
“Emily — Emy, as so many lovingly called her, was one of the kindest, most caring souls you could ever meet. She had a gift for making people feel seen, heard, and loved. She was a bright light in our lives, always putting others first, and radiating warmth wherever she went. Emy didn’t deserve this. No one does, but especially not someone like her.
“Two years ago, our family went through another tragedy when our youngest sister, Ariana, passed away. Not long after, Emy also lost her best friend. Despite these heavy losses, she showed incredible strength. She continued pushing forward, holding on to hope, and working hard toward her goals. She was so close to finishing her degree and had dreams of building a better future, not just for herself, but for all of us.
“Losing Emy is more than losing a sister. She was a daughter, a friend, and a guiding light. She was someone we all leaned on. Her absence leaves a void that words can’t fill.
“We are now faced with the heartbreaking task of honoring her life and saying goodbye. We want to give Emy the memorial she deserves – a service where her loved ones can come together, remember her, and celebrate the beautiful person she was. Unfortunately, the cost of funeral arrangements and related expenses are more than our family can manage alone.
“We are asking for help. Any contribution, no matter how small, would mean the world to us. Every donation will go directly toward covering funeral and burial costs, transportation needs, and giving Emy the peaceful and loving farewell she deserves.
“If you aren’t able to donate, we completely understand. Sharing this page and keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers is just as meaningful. Please help us honor Emily’s memory by spreading the love she gave so freely to others.
“Thank you for your kindness, support, and compassion during this incredibly painful time.
“With love and gratitude,
Carla Barajas, Lopez family, and Barajas family”
