Maria Julian-Pichardo,Yamilaine Sosa-Julian Obituary, Death; – Kannapolis Police report that a man, who was released on bond for a domestic assault, fatally shot his wife and her 19-year-old daughter outside the Cabarrus County Department of Social Services on Wednesday morning. Following the incident, he engaged in a pursuit with law enforcement that extended into Rowan County, where he ultimately took his own life.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, February 19, authorities received a 911 call alleging that 51-year-old Rafael Lopez had discharged a firearm in the parking lot of the facility that accommodates both DSS and the county’s Transportation Services.
Upon arrival at the scene, officers discovered the bodies of Lopez’s wife, 45-year-old Maria Julian-Pichardo, and her daughter, 19-year-old Yamilaine Sosa-Julian.
“I was more shocked than anything because typically this is a quiet area and everybody’s friendly, so to hear that type of violence take place so close, it sent shockwaves,” remarked Rice, co-owner of Klippah Talk barber shop. The victims’ vehicle was found outside his establishment, marked by numerous bullet holes.
Employees at nearby businesses expressed their disbelief regarding the incident. “It was a little crazy to hear early this morning; this is typically a safe area, and it’s very well patrolled,” stated a worker who preferred to remain anonymous.
Investigators revealed that an on-duty deputy from Cabarrus County heard the gunfire and observed Lopez fleeing the scene. The deputy, along with other law enforcement officers, pursued Lopez’s vehicle for approximately twenty miles into Rowan County.
The pursuit concluded when Lopez reportedly shot and killed himself on Lower Palmer Road in Rockwell.
“People have been calling to check to make sure we’re okay,” said Rice, who expressed sorrow over the events but found solace in the community’s support as neighbors reached out to one another.
“You really don’t know how close or how much you mean to somebody until tragedy happens,” Rice added.
