Manuel Vega Lopez dies in fatal Gilbert shooting

Manuel Vega Lopez dies in fatal Gilbert shooting

Fatal Gilbert shooting death of Manuel Vega Lopez – Obituary

Manuel Vega Lopez, 51, was shot and killed Monday afternoon while performing landscaping work at a rental property near Power and Germann roads in Gilbert, Arizona.

Police responded to reports of a dispute and subsequent shooting around 4:30 p.m., finding Lopez dead at the scene with a gunshot wound.

Authorities arrested 28-year-old Wyatt Ford in connection with the incident. According to reports, Ford’s wife contacted police shortly before the shooting, claiming her husband was confronting a man she believed had previously vandalized their trailer. She later told police she heard gunshots and said her husband had fired.

Further investigation revealed Lopez had been hired by the landlord to trim trees at the property. The landlord confirmed he had communicated with Lopez about the job, and Lopez had sent a photo of the trees before arriving.

Officers found landscaping tools in Lopez’s truck and a pole saw near his body, but no weapon was found on him. Ford was booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and charged with second-degree murder.