Full Notification

DATE/TIME: February 28, 2023, 3:36 p.m.

INCIDENT: Homicide Investigation

LOCATION: 5th Street/Tippecanoe Avenue, Highland

SUSPECT #1 Oscar Fernando Lopez Lopez, 23-year-old resident of Colton
SUSPECT #2 Juana Leonides, 31-year-old resident of Colton

VICTIM(S): Andrew Sanchez, 54-year-old resident of San Bernardino

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UPDATE:  Through continued investigation, Oscar Fernando Lopez Lopez was identified as the suspect in the murder of Andrew Sanchez and Juana Leonides was identified as an accessory to the murder.

Sanchez was a local special education schoolteacher and was shot and killed shortly after he left work. Information obtained during the investigation confirmed Sanchez and Leonides were involved in a road rage incident preceding the murder.

On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, a search warrant was served at a residence in Colton where Lopez Lopez and Leonides were arrested.  Both were booked in at the West Valley Detention Center where they remain in custody without bail.  No further details are available for release.  
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SUMMARY: On Tuesday, February 28, 2023, deputies with the Highland Police Department responded to an assault with a weapon call. Upon arriving, deputies found Andrew Sanchez in his vehicle, suffering from a gunshot wound. Deputies immediately began life saving efforts. Fire Department personnel arrived, and Sanchez was transported to a local hospital. Despite life saving efforts, Sanchez was pronounced deceased a short time later.

Investigators with the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail responded and are conducting the investigation. It is believed a road rage incident may have occurred prior to the shooting. No arrest(s) have been made and investigators are working to identify and locate the suspect(s.) 

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Mauricio Rivas, Specialized Investigations Division at (909) 890-4904. Callers can remain anonymous and contact We-Tip at 800-78CRIME or www.wetip.com.

Refer: Detective Mauricio Rivas or Sergeant Joseph Steers 

Station: Specialized Investigations Division

Phone No. (909) 890-4904

Case No. DR#132300829 / H#2023-027

SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department