2010-10-29 Ofelia Lopez

Woman's Death Ruled Homicide; 3rd in 48 hours

Police on Tuesday said the death of a 52-year-old woman found in her home early Friday morning has been ruled a homicide; the third in a 48-hour period.

The husband of Ofelia Lopez reported she was unconscious about 1:20 in her home at 1111 N. Taylor St., police said.

When paramedics arrived, they attempted CPR, but it failed, authorities said.

The initial investigation showed no signs of foul play, and it was suspected that Lopez died of a medical condition.

An autopsy was begun at an Amarillo mortuary but the doctor conducting the autopsy found injuries to Lopez's neck and head.

The doctor stopped the autopsy and transferred Lopez's body to Lubbock for a criminal autopsy.

Results of an autopsy conducted Monday revealed Lopez died of a gunshot wound, police said. Investigators are withholding the location of the wound pending the investigation. Police would release no further information in the case Tuesday.

Anyone with information about this homicide is asked to call the Potter-Randall Special Crimes Unit at 806-378-9468.

Lopez's homicide is the 16t homicide of the year