Three individuals connected to a Los Angeles-based taco business have been charged in relation to the fatal killing of a co-worker, marking a complex case involving workplace tensions, alleged financial disputes, and immigration enforcement interventions.
Soledad Lopez, an employee at Ricos Tacos Naomi, was reported missing in September. Two days later, police discovered her charred body inside her own burned-out vehicle, confirming her death as a homicide. The investigation revealed that Lopez, along with Sandra Diaz and another individual, had gone to a warehouse linked to the taco business shortly before her disappearance. Diaz was later seen leaving and returning to that location carrying gas canisters and subsequently drove Lopez’s car, according to court documents.
Authorities say the killing was triggered by a dispute over money stemming from a car accident earlier in 2025, in which Lopez, Diaz, and Ricos Tacos co-owner Naomi Yepez were involved. Following the crash, Lopez received a settlement check for approximately $11,500, which she endorsed to Yepez to cash. However, police allege Lopez was never paid the funds, fueling tensions at the workplace. Lopez’s daughter stated that Yepez had mistreated Lopez at work, while relatives of Yepez suggested Lopez went missing due to alleged theft from the business.
Legal proceedings have been hindered by complicated circumstances related to immigration enforcement actions. Yepez, who has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to commit murder, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in September as the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) intensified their investigation. Another man implicated, Oscar Villafranca—an employee romantically linked to Diaz—was ordered removed from the U.S. the same month and left the country. Prosecutors filed conspiracy charges against Yepez and Villafranca in April, months after their removal from LAPD custody.
Defense attorneys for Yepez and Diaz have rejected the allegations. Yepez’s lawyer, Justin Rodriguez, described her client as innocent and claimed she is unfairly labeled as the “fall guy.” Diaz’s counsel, Matthew Barhoma, criticized ICE for preventing access to other suspects he believes are responsible, calling this an injustice to Diaz and Lopez’s family. Both lawyers expressed confidence that their clients will be exonerated as the case unfolds.
The investigation has been further complicated by California’s sanctuary state policies, which limit cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement. A senior Los Angeles law enforcement official noted that ICE’s removal of suspects during active investigations is an ongoing issue that hampers the prosecution of crimes.
Villafranca’s precise role in the killing remains unclear, and he has yet to be located for extradition, according to prosecutors. Yepez, meanwhile, was transferred back into Los Angeles County custody in June and remains jailed on $2 million bail. Lopez’s cause of death could not be definitively determined due to the severe fire damage sustained.
Authorities continue to investigate the case, seeking to piece together the events leading to Lopez’s death and to bring all responsible parties to justice. The district attorney’s office has indicated plans to extradite Villafranca if located, while Yepez’s defense maintains her innocence.