Travis County District Attorney’s Office Secures Conviction for Man Charged with Murder

Travis County, TX — On Thursday, May 16, 2024, a Travis County jury convicted Francisco Lopez, 36, of Murder.

For Mr. Lopez’s trial, jury selection started on Monday, May 13, 2024, and testimony began that day. On Thursday, May 16, 2024, the jury deliberated and found Mr. Lopez guilty of Murder. On Friday, May 17, 2024, the jury assessed his punishment at 28 years to be served at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

On February 11, 2020, the Austin Police Department arrested Mr. Lopez and charged him with the murder of Guillermo Bernal Gomez, 32, that took place on June 23, 2019. On March 23, 2020, Mr. Lopez was indicted for the offense of Murder.

Assistant District Attorneys Brandy Gann, Rob Drummond, and Destinee Williams prepared the case against Francisco Lopez with the support of Investigator Kerry Scanlon, Victim Counselor Stacy Miles-Thorpe, Paralegal Sonya Leathers, and Legal Secretary Chardell Clark. Austin Police Department Homicide Detectives Sgt. Paul Chavez and Sgt. Nathan Sexton investigated Mr. Lopez’s case.

“Our office is grateful to our dedicated staff and law enforcement partners who worked tirelessly to hold the defendant accountable and seek justice for the victim,” said Travis County District Attorney José Garza. “We hope this verdict brings closure and peace to the victim’s family.”

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