LB Man Allegedly Linked by DNA to Teen's Slaying

The Riverside County District Attorney's Office announced Thursday that the Long Beach man they've charged with kidnapping and murdering 17-year-old Norma Lopez of Moreno Valley was linked by DNA several weeks ago.

The revelation of the evidence was made by D.A. spokesman John Hall, who added that little more detail of the investigation would be given as the case is ongoing. Jesse Perez Torres appeared Thursday in court for what was scheduled to be his arraignment on charges filed this week. But after a defense attorney was appointed Thursday, the lawyer requested the proceeding be delayed. It was set for Nov. 16.

Perez, 35, was arrested about 6 a.m. last Thursday in Long Beach, where he was pulled over, a Riverside County Sheriff's Dept. official said. Perez had lived in a condo very near Valley View High School, from which Lopez walked home that July 15, 2010 morning of her disappearance. Five days later, Norma's body was found in a field. On Thursday, the District Attorney released a statement that said Perez moved to Long Beach the month after the murder.

It was not disclosed how Perez' DNA was obtained for the match, but he had been in court prior to the murder over domestic abuse allegations, it has been reported by local media