About Ernie Lopez

We would like you to meet Ernie Lopez. He is the loving father of three beautiful children. He loves his family and friends and life more than anything in this world. His hobbies include racing his Mustang at the Amarillo Drag Way, remote control cars, working on motors of all kinds. He loves to make everyone around him laugh with his witty humor.

Unfortunately, Ernie has not been able to enjoy being with his family and friends and enjoying his hobbies as his life was abruptly put on hold when he was unjustly tried and convicted in 2003 of a crime he did not commit. That is the purpose of this website to inform you of his story and the injustice of our legal system.

Ernie's Story

In August of 2000, Ernie's wife at that time Deann began babysitting for Dr. Veronica Vas' three children, Alex (3yo), Emily (2yo), and Isis (3 mos). Original agreement was to watch the children one weekend a month and every Monday while Dr. Vas was at work however, she often left the children for much longer periods without adequate clothing, formula and medication for the baby. Deann typically looked after Isis more than the other children as they spent alot of time with their father, Dr. Douglas Shelton. Isis' father, Bobby Miller, did not have a constant presence in her life. Deann watched the children during the day and when Ernie returned from work he would help her with the children which included their own and Dr. Vas'. In the early part of October Isis was sick and not feeling well. From October 6-24, 2000 Deann and Ernie had no contact with the children. It is understood that they stayed with their Grandfather during this time frame. On Wednesday October 25, Veronica arrived at Deann and Ernie's with the children for care. Deann noticed "ugly red marks all over her forehead and face and into the hairline". Explanation from Veronica at that time was they were flea bites. Veronica left for work immediately, turns out she actually went home. As the days go by the Isis' illness progresses with high fever, vomiting, respiratory problems, very lethargic and unusually dark bowel movements. Ernie sought advice from co-workers, who advised him to tell the mother to seek medical attention. However, Deann was relying on Dr. Veronica Vas, who said Isis was ok. On Friday, Veronica announces that she is leaving for Michigan and leaves without leaving a medical note even though we had asked for one. On Saturday morning, Ernie gave Isis a breathing treatment with his son's nebulizer that Dr. Vas said to use to help with her breathing. That morning the baby stops breathing and Ernie calls 911 and does CPR. Ernie rides with Isis to the hospital by ambulance. After a few hours at the hospital Ernie is questioned and arrested for sexual assault. This is where Ernie and his families nightmare begins. To this day Ernie pleads innocent to these horrendous charges. The whole story can be read in the attached affidavits and habeas petition.

Family

Ernie's family members include, his devoted mother and father, Rosa and Ernest Lopez Sr., his daughters Nikki (12yo), Sienna (7yo) and son Cody (9yo), brothers Eddie and wife Chrystal and their three children and Sabian and wife Shannon and their three children.

Friends and Special Thanks

There are too many to list but am extending a special thank you to all the friends, family, church communities, who have contributed financially, spiritually, emotionally and who continues to send prayers for great protection and strength to Ernie and our family.

A special thanks goes to Heather Kirkwood for believing in Ernie's innocence and continuing the fight for his freedom.

For more information on the case see Legal Documents. If you would like to leave a message go to Contact Us. If you want to make it anonymous tell us in the subject line.