Pomona, California — A Southern California family is mourning the loss of a beloved daughter and sister after she was killed in a shooting that authorities say was part of a double homicide, a tragedy made even more devastating by the way her loved ones learned she was gone.
Family members identified the victim as Veronica Lopez, 24, who was fatally shot Thursday afternoon inside a Pomona apartment complex. Investigators allege the shooting was carried out by her boyfriend, who later fled the scene and led authorities on a lengthy freeway pursuit before being taken into custody.
Now, relatives are left grieving a young woman they say had her entire future ahead of her.
Family Made Heartbreaking Discovery During Live TV Coverage
According to family members, they did not initially know Veronica was involved in the incident.
Instead, they were watching television coverage of a police chase connected to the case when something caught their attention. Veronica’s sister, Klarissa Lopez, said their mother recognized both a vehicle and a dog shown during the live broadcast.
Concerned, the family contacted police and eventually received confirmation that Veronica was one of the victims.
“We were watching the chase after it was live and my mom noticed the car and the dog that they rescued. We called Pomona police and they confirmed it with fingerprints that it was my sister Veronica,” Klarissa Lopez told ABC7.
The shocking realization transformed what appeared to be a breaking news story into a personal tragedy for the entire family.
Loved Ones Remember a Bright Future Cut Short
Family members described Veronica as a talented, energetic, and caring young woman who brought joy to those around her. Her father, Coby Lopez, said she had accomplished much in her young life and had many more dreams ahead of her.
“She was our fifth daughter. Very beautiful, very young, very talented,” he told.
He also remembered her passion for skating and the positive impact she had on others.
“She used to be a pro skater, had so much positives going in her life. I don’t know what kind of problems she was going through, but we tried to help her. … So young, taken out by a coward.”
Relatives said Veronica’s smile could brighten any room and that she had a gift for making people feel appreciated and loved.
Investigation Leads to Lengthy Freeway Pursuit
Authorities said officers responded shortly before 3:30 p.m. to reports of gunfire near Monterey and Garey avenues in Pomona.
When police arrived, they found a man and a woman suffering from fatal gunshot wounds inside an apartment complex. Both victims were pronounced dead.
Officials have not publicly identified the second victim. Investigators later alleged that suspect Robert Galtman fled the scene in a black Kia sedan.
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Using technology that detected the vehicle on the freeway system, authorities located the car on the northbound 5 Freeway near Sylmar.
The pursuit reportedly lasted approximately 90 minutes before officers used a PIT maneuver to bring the chase to an end and take the suspect into custody.
Community Mourns as Family Seeks Justice
Galtman is currently being held on $3.1 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court in Pomona.
Meanwhile, family members have gathered outside the apartment complex where the shooting occurred, creating a memorial filled with candles, flowers, and balloons in Veronica’s honor.
Loved ones have also launched a fundraising campaign to help cover funeral expenses and celebrate her life. For those who knew her best, Veronica’s memory will live on through the countless lives she touched during her 24 years.
In a tribute shared following her death, family members expressed their grief in a simple but powerful message:
“Forever 24. Forever loved. Forever missed.”
As the criminal case moves forward, Veronica’s family continues searching for answers while honoring the life of a daughter, sister, and friend they say will never be forgotten.
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