PLACERVILLE, CA — January 9, 2024
In a landmark ruling, Jordan Piper, the father of 11-year-old Roman Lopez, has been sentenced to the maximum penalty of 15 years to life in prison for his role in the tragic 2020 death of his son. This decision comes after a long and harrowing legal process that exposed the incomprehensible cruelty and abuse suffered by Roman.
Already incarcerated in federal custody for unrelated charges related to the sexual exploitation of a child, Piper faced a courtroom that convened remotely via WebEx due to his imprisonment. The sentencing hearing, which took an emotional toll on those involved, included ten victim impact statements from family members across the country who participated online.
El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson, commenting on the sentencing, affirmed,
“Justice has been served for Roman. Both his father and stepmother are now being held accountable for their incomprehensible cruelty, abuse, and death of their child and will spend a very long time behind bars.”
This sentencing follows the conviction and imprisonment of Roman’s stepmother, Lindsay Piper, last July. Lindsay received a 15-year to life sentence for her role in Roman’s death, further emphasizing the severity of the abuse suffered by the young boy.
During the sentencing hearing, poignant statements from Roman’s family members painted a vivid picture of the pain and suffering inflicted upon the child. Erin Rice, Rochelle Lopez’s best friend and military comrade, addressed Jordan Piper, stating,
“I hope when the defendant goes to sleep every night he hears echoes of Roman screaming at the top of his lungs, in fear, in hurt, and in terrified wails much like he did the night before his death.”
Rochelle Lopez, Roman’s mother, passed away in 2021. Her parents, Rick and Mary Lopez, expressed their anguish, declaring,
“Now you get to rot in your cell knowing that you killed your only son, Roman Anthony Lopez.”
Deputy District Attorney Jay Linden, with 26 years of experience, described this sentencing as one of the most emotional in his career.
The harrowing case unfolded on January 11, 2020, when a city-wide search for Roman Lopez culminated in the discovery of his malnourished and dehydrated body in a storage bin at the family’s home in Placerville. Autopsy results revealed the child’s body weighed a shocking 42 pounds, significantly less than the 61 pounds recorded when he was nine years old.
The investigation, a collaborative effort led by the Placerville Police Department and involving numerous state and federal agencies, exposed years of abuse and mistreatment of young Roman Lopez. He had not seen a doctor since the age of nine and endured physical abuse, including being restrained by ties and zip-ties to his bed.
The dedication of law enforcement agencies, including Placerville Police Department, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations, was crucial in bringing this tragic case to a resolution. Experts such as Dr. Sarah Avedschmidt and Dr. Angela Vickers played essential roles in conducting the autopsy and providing insights into the extent of the child’s abuse.
District Attorney Pierson expressed gratitude to law enforcement partners and the citizens of El Dorado County for their patience, trust, and support throughout the challenging criminal justice process. As Jordan Piper faces the consequences of his actions, the case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and protection for vulnerable members of society.
