A homicide investigation involving a body found inside a burned vehicle at a South Los Angeles tow yard has expanded into a broader criminal case involving the owner of a popular taco stand business and two employees. Prosecutors allege the killing of 47-year-old Soledad Lopez was planned in advance, while defense attorneys dispute the allegations and maintain their clients are innocent. The case has also drawn attention because of the involvement of federal immigration authorities during the investigation.
Business
Mariana Yepez, 43, helped build Ricos Tacos Naomi into a well-known Southern California street food business after launching the first stand with her husband in 2018.
The business, named after their daughter, eventually expanded to nearly a dozen locations across Los Angeles County, Long Beach, and the Antelope Valley.
Yepez now faces criminal charges in connection with the death of one of her employees.
Victim
According to prosecutors, 47-year-old Soledad Lopez was last seen alive on September 7, 2025.
Surveillance video reportedly showed Lopez leaving work with coworker Sandra Romo Diaz before both women entered a warehouse connected to the taco business.
Court records indicate Lopez never left the building.
Two days later, Los Angeles police discovered her body inside the trunk of a burned Honda at a tow yard on West Gage Avenue in South Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled her death a homicide. Officials have not publicly identified the exact cause of death because of extensive fire damage to the remains.
Charges
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged Mariana Yepez and Oscar Oswaldo Funes Villafranca with conspiracy to commit murder.
Sandra Romo Diaz, 52, faces murder charges.
According to an amended felony complaint, prosecutors allege the killing was willful, deliberate, and premeditated.
These allegations remain pending in court, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Allegations
According to prosecutors, investigators believe Diaz was seen leaving the warehouse and later returning with two gas containers before driving away in Lopez’s vehicle.
Authorities allege Lopez’s body was later placed inside the vehicle, which was set on fire.
Court documents state Diaz suffered burns to her arm and stomach that investigators believe occurred while attempting to burn the vehicle.
Prosecutors have not publicly detailed the specific actions they allege Yepez or Funes Villafranca took during the incident.
Motive
Investigators believe the homicide may have stemmed from a financial dispute following a traffic collision earlier in 2025.
According to attorney Neama Rahmani, who represented the three women in a civil claim after the crash, Lopez received an insurance settlement of approximately $11,500.
Police records reviewed by the Los Angeles Times indicate Lopez’s daughter told investigators that her mother gave the settlement check to Yepez to cash.
According to the investigation, the check was deposited into a bank account but Lopez allegedly never received the funds.
Yepez’s attorney has denied any wrongdoing.
Immigration
The investigation became more complex after federal immigration enforcement actions involving two suspects.
According to the Department of Homeland Security, Oscar Oswaldo Funes Villafranca, a Honduran national, departed the United States on September 21, 2025, after an immigration removal order.
The following day, Yepez was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Law enforcement officials told the Los Angeles Times that Yepez had already been identified as a suspect during the homicide investigation when she was detained by ICE.
The District Attorney’s Office later filed conspiracy charges against both Yepez and Funes Villafranca in April 2026.
Yepez was returned to Los Angeles County custody on June 2 and remains jailed on $2 million bail.
Prosecutors have stated they intend to seek Funes Villafranca’s extradition.
Defense
Yepez has pleaded not guilty.
Her attorney, Justin Rodriguez, said she was not involved in the killing and expressed confidence she would be cleared as the case proceeds.
Diaz’s attorney, Matthew Barhoma, also maintains his client is innocent. He argued that federal immigration enforcement complicated the investigation and made it more difficult to prosecute those he believes bear responsibility for the crime.
Next
The criminal case continues in Los Angeles Superior Court as prosecutors prepare to present evidence supporting the charges.
Authorities have not released all of the evidence gathered during the investigation, and additional court proceedings are expected as the case moves forward.
The allegations against the defendants have not been proven in court, and each defendant remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
FAQs
Who was the victim?
The victim was identified as Soledad Lopez.
Who has been charged?
Three people face charges in the case.
What business is connected to the case?
Ricos Tacos Naomi taco stands.
What was the alleged motive?
Prosecutors cite a dispute over settlement money.
Has Yepez pleaded guilty?
No. She has pleaded not guilty.
