Jury Convicts Santa Barbara Man of First-Degree Murder and Child Abuse in Death of 3-Year-Old

Santa Barbara County District Attorney John T. Savrnoch  announced today that 27-year-old Elvis Alberto Lopez, of Santa Barbara, was convicted by a jury of First Degree Murder (Penal Code §187), with the special circumstance that the murder was committed during the  commission of Mayhem. 

The jury also found Lopez guilty of Assault on a Child Under 8 Causing Death and four counts of Corporal  Injury to a Child. 

In the final months of Mila’s life, Lopez, who was her mother’s boyfriend, repeatedly abused her. On February  4, 2023, the abuse culminated in a violent assault that severed Mila’s spine and ruptured her aorta, causing her  rapid death. 

District Attorney John T. Savrnoch stated: “This was a horrific case involving the senseless death of a young  child who deserved love and protection. I want to thank the prosecution team, Chief Deputy District Attorney  Jennifer Karapetian, Senior Deputy District Attorney Sarah Barkley, and DA Investigator Chad Hunt, along  with the detectives from the Santa Barbara Police Department, for their tireless work in seeking justice for  Mila. Their dedication and commitment to this case made today’s verdict possible.” 

Chief Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Karapetian, who led the prosecution, added: “We are profoundly  grateful to the jury for their careful attention and service throughout this emotionally difficult case. Mila was  a beautiful, loving child, and while nothing can bring her back, this verdict ensures that the defendant is held  accountable for his violent actions.” 

Sentencing is scheduled for December 4, 2025, in Department 2 of the Santa Barbara Superior Court, in front  of Judge Pauline Maxwell. Lopez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.