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Mercedes Martinez, 60, and Hector L. Lopez, 43, both of Stamford, were arrested on Friday, July 5, and charged with manslaughter, said Stamford Police Lt. Michael A. Noto.
The road to the manslaughter charges began last year on November 26, 2018, when Olga “Iris” Lopez, was seen sick and eventually unconscious inside the apartment, and that Martinez and Lopez, were both aware of her condition and did nothing to provide emergency care, Noto said.
Her condition deteriorated over the next day and an ambulance was finally called. Olga “Iris” Lopez died about 12 hours after being hospitalized. She reportedly had more than 30 bruises on her body and a brain bleed.
When the Stamford Police responded to 80 Pequot Drive for the call of a possible overdose, they arrested both Martinez and Lopez and charged them to cruelty to persons, Noto said.
Following their arrest the Stamford Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations Major Crimes Unit, the medical examiner's office and the State’s Attorney Office continued to work tirelessly on the case, Noto said.
"Based on months of investigation evidence has been developed to substantiate that the failure to provide emergency medical care to Olga “Iris” Lopez directly led to her death," he said.
Martinez was charged Friday with manslaughters, three counts of risk of injury to a minor, tampering with evidence, and hindering prosecution. She is being held on $1 million bail, and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, July 8.
Lopez, who is also being held on $1 million bail, was charged with manslaughter, three counts of risk of injury to a minor and two counts of tampering with a witness. He is scheduled to appear in court on July 8.
"It is our hope that these arrests give some sense of closure to a grieving family," said Noto and Capt. Richard Conklin. "We are very proud of the efforts of Stamford Police Investigators Damien Rosa, Louis Burdi, Jerry Junes, and Sgt. Sean Boeger in tirelessly investigating this case and we are thankful for all the help and guidance from State’s Attorney Richard Colangelo and Assist State’s Attorney Paul Ferencek."
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