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C a l i f o r n i a ’ s O l d e s t N e w s pa p e r – E s t. 18 51
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Volume 170 • Issue 6 | 75¢
mtdemocrat.com
One year later
Community awaits answers in young boy’s death Thomas Frey Staff writer It’s been one year since 11-yearold Roman Anthony Lopez went missing in Placerville and was later found dead. Police have described his death as “suspicious.” In search of a cause, investigations involving different law enforcement and forensic agencies continue, according to Placerville Chief of Police Joseph Wren, who maintains it is imperative information in the case remain confidential. “The investigative agencies have gathered facts and those facts need to be corroborated with evidence and forensics,” said Wren in a statement sent to the Mountain Democrat Monday. “Some of the most vital answers we seek can only come from thorough forensic analysis and the medical
professionals who are tirelessly working with us on this case.” Wren acknowledged the public’s concerns and frustration and reiterated that there is no continuing threat to the public. Lopez went missing in Placerville Jan. 11. The next day Placerville Police Department officials announced they had found him — to clarify only a few hours later during a press conference that the boy was deceased, discovered purportedly near (though not confirmed) the home at 2892 Coloma St. where Roman lived with his father Jordan Piper, Piper’s wife and seven other children. At the time officials confirmed Roman died under “suspicious” circumstances. An autopsy was performed though the results were never released. Authorities also descended on
“We want the facts of the investigation to be undisputed, leaving no questions unanswered.” — Joseph Wren, Placerville chief of police the Coloma Street home, which for several days was roped off with yellow crime-scene tape. It was not confirmed that the “suspicious” death occurred on the premises where police and El Dorado County crime scene investigators were seen moving about; small yellow flags inside a pickup truck parked on the property likely indicate where crime scene investigators thought potential evidence exists. n
See Roman Lopez, page A7
Roman Anthony Lopez
Deputy kills Mountain lion Kevin Christensen Staff writer A mountain lion was killed by an El Dorado County sheriff ’s deputy Monday afternoon on the El Dorado Trail just east of Placerville. The Sheriff ’s Office received a 911 call from a couple walking on the trail with their small children in strollers and two small dogs while reportedly being followed by an adult mountain lion for approximately 10 minutes. The encounter occurred a few hundred yards east of Smith Flat School Road. The family and bystanders also using the trail yelled at the lion, but according to n
See Mountain Lion, page A7
Register to get vaccine on short notice Mountain Democrat photos by Kevin Christensen
Democrat staff El Dorado County Public Health officials are taking phone numbers for individuals interested in getting a COVID19 vaccination ahead of state-assigned phases, which are based on industries people work in and age. County residents who want a vaccine and can get to either of the county’s Public Health offices in Tahoe or Placerville within 30-60 minutes may sign up for a text or phone alert at forms.gle/ XJoh3Tx5tejGQ6rRA. The California Department of Public Health has indicated that, after appropriate efforts to reach highest priority groups, health departments and providers may offer doses to lower priority groups when high-priority demand subsides or when doses are about to expire. Administration of doses will be prioritized by individuals’ line of work and age and progress in the order phone numbers are received. People who sign up but miss the phone text or alert will be skipped but remain on the list for future availability.
Pollock Pines resident Mark Strong volunteers his time and tractor clearing the way for improvements to Forebay Community Park that will include a playground and hiking and walking trails. Frank Maio, also of Pollock Pines, right, is leading the effort as construction manager.
Progress in Pollock Pines
Forebay Community Park additions coming
N Jeanne Harper, El Dorado County Parks and Recreation District 5 commissioner and executive director of CEDAPP, shows where new features at Forebay Community Park will be placed.
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See Park, page A6
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