POMONA, CA – A Southern California family is mourning the tragic loss of 24-year-old Veronica Lopez, who was killed Thursday afternoon in a suspected double homicide that sparked a high-speed police pursuit across multiple counties.
The Fatal Shooting
Pomona Police officers responded to reports of gunfire just before 3:30 p.m. near Monterey and Garey avenues. Upon arrival, authorities discovered a man and a woman dead inside an apartment complex, both suffering from fatal gunshot wounds.
While the identity of the second victim has not yet been publicly released by officials, family members identified the female victim as Veronica Lopez, a San Diego resident and former professional skateboarder.
A Heartbreaking Discovery
The victim’s family revealed they learned of the tragedy in a shocking way. While watching live television coverage of a 90-minute police pursuit, relatives recognized the suspect’s vehicle and a dog that officers rescued from the car.
After contacting the Pomona Police Department, investigators used fingerprint verification to confirm that Lopez was indeed the victim.
Suspect Arrested After Freeway Chase
The suspect, identified as Lopez’s boyfriend of two years, Robert Galtman, allegedly fled the scene in a black Kia sedan.
An automatic license plate reader flagged the vehicle on the northbound 5 Freeway in Sylmar, triggering a multi-agency pursuit. California Highway Patrol officers eventually ended the chase using a PIT maneuver.
Galtman was taken into custody and is currently being held on $3.1 million bail. He is scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday in Pomona.
Community Mourns Local Talent
Loved ones gathered outside the Pomona apartment complex to create a memorial of candles and balloons, remembering Lopez as a vibrant, talented young woman whose “smile could light up a room.”
Her family has launched a local fundraising campaign to help cover funeral expenses as they prepare to honor her memory.
