‘Only the beginning of justice’: 24-year-old man charged with the death of Amanda Torres

24-year-old James Joshua Lopez has been charged with the killing of Latina community organizer Amanda Torres, known as “DandyMandi.”  

The news comes ten days after the fatal stabbing of Torres, which took place at the end of an after-hours warehouse party in the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angele. 

Lopez, who was arrested yesterday, now faces one count of murder with an allegation of personal use of a deadly and dangerous weapon, a knife. His bail has been set at $2.02 million, according to district attorney Nathan J. Jochman. 

Her family, who had been asking for justice and help from the community to identify and bring forward the people responsible for her death, said this is “only the beginning of justice” for Torres. 

“As the family, we want to do our best to ensure we work closely with our team of experts to get justice for Mandy. Thank you all,” the family posted on Instagram. 

If convicted, Lopez faces up to 26 years to life in prison.

Hochman said he will fight to ensure justice is served for Torres and her family. 

“This horrific and senseless act of violence took the life of a young woman who dedicated herself to making her community better,” Hochman said. “Amanda Torres was a bright, compassionate leader with limitless potential, and our hearts break for her family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched. She recently graduated from UCLA and was a community organizer.”

Throughout the last week, a video captured by a camera of a neighboring business had been shared and circulated throughout social media, with Torres' friends and family asking the public to help identify the man who comes out in the video. 

Lopez is accused of fatally stabbing Torres after she intervened trying to protect her brother, who had been allegedly attacked by a group of men at the party. 

Today, hundreds of people who knew Torres in person and through social media have paid their respects, leaving flowers, letters and candles in the location where the UCLA graduate lost her life. 

Lopez’s arraignment was set for March 3 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Downtown L.A.