María Sánchez ended up in the hospital, in serious condition, after being a victim of domestic violence at the hands of her ex-boyfriend.
The incident occurred on Monday, in the early hours of the morning, in front of Sánchez’s house in Menifee. The violent attack was witnessed by the victim’s children.
“She was yelling at my little nephews to come out and help her and then my nephew and niece came out, begging her not to hit her anymore,” says Rosa Sánchez, Maria’s sister.
Safe Passage offers programs focused on breaking the cycle of domestic violence abuse, through healing and empowerment workshops.
The minors asked him to let go and yelled at him because he was hitting them. The man, identified as Jimmy Lopez, starts the car and backs up.
The daughter warned her mother to move but ended up being run over in the middle of the street. María’s sister believes that López tried to kill her.
“As seen in the video, yes because he threw the car over him,” says Sánchez.
Lopez fled and was arrested Wednesday on Slauson Avenue in Los Angeles. He faces multiple charges including attempted murder. Police say he is a registered gang member.
Sanchez’s family has a theory as to why the incident occurred.
“Because she no longer wanted to be with him and I think that’s why she got angry,” says her sister.
Maria, who has three children, remains hospitalized and sedated at the same medical center where she is a nursing assistant.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, please contact the Los Angeles County Call Center at 1-800-978-3600.
