Woman allegedly killed by boyfriend during breakup attempt as family claims abuse

A California woman was fatally shot alongside her neighbor in an alleged domestic violence incident after her family says she was attempting to end her relationship with her boyfriend.

Veronica Lopez, 24, was found with fatal gunshot wounds inside the hallway of an apartment building in Pomona, California, on Thursday, June 18, according to the Pomona Police Department.

Officers responded to reports of shots fired at around 3:22 p.m. and discovered two victims suffering from gunshot wounds.

“Officers arrived on scene and found two victims in the hallway of an apartment building suffering from gunshot wounds,” police said in a statement. “The Los Angeles County Fire Department responded and administered life-saving measures, however, both victims succumbed to their injuries.”

Lopez was identified as one of the victims. Authorities allege she was shot by her boyfriend, Robert Galtman, 48, following a domestic dispute before he fled the scene.

Galtman was taken into custody several hours later after a police pursuit with assistance from the California Highway Patrol.

“At approximately 7:30 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody,” police said, adding that there was no longer a threat to the public.

Lopez’s family told local outlets that she had been in a relationship with Galtman for about two years and alleged that he had been abusive. They said they had encouraged her to leave the relationship.

“I believe she was walking away, this is why this all happened,” Lopez’s mother, Sheila, told KTLA 5.

Her family said they discovered Lopez’s death while watching news coverage of the police pursuit involving Galtman.

“We were watching the chase after it was live and my mom noticed the car and the dog that they rescued,” Lopez’s sister Klarissa said. “We called Pomona police and they confirmed it with fingerprints that it was my sister Veronica.”

Lopez’s loved ones remembered her as someone with many goals and accomplishments, including a background as a professional skater.

“She used to be a pro skater, had so many positives going in her life,” her father told CBS LA. “So young, taken out by a coward.”

Klarissa added, “I know she didn’t deserve to get murdered.”

The second victim was identified as Robert Brady, Lopez’s neighbor and a father of two. According to KTLA 5, investigators believe he may have been shot while attempting to intervene during the domestic dispute.

A GoFundMe fundraiser created to help with Lopez’s funeral expenses has raised thousands of dollars.

Galtman remains in custody with bail set at $3.1 million. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 23.

The Pomona Police Department Major Crimes Unit continues to investigate the shooting.