Police Investigating Suspicious Death Of 11-Year-Old Found Day After He Was Reported Missing

Police are investigating the “suspicious” death of an 11-year-old boy after his body was discovered just one day after he was reported missing by his family.

The Placerville Police Department announced Saturday, January 11 that they had found the body of Roman Lopez after an “extensive search” of the area involving multiple agencies, according to a release by the department.

Authorities have not released any details about how the boy died or where his body was discovered, but have described it as “suspicious.”

“This even is very tragic for all involved and we appreciate your patience as we conduct a thorough investigation,” police said.

Lopez was reported missing Saturday after he was last seen that morning by his family at his home on Coloma Street, police said in a Facebook post shortly after he disappeared.

The disappearance launched a massive search for the boy around his home Saturday.

Roman Anthony Lopez Photo: Placerville Police Department

One neighbor, who only identified himself as Ed, told local station KTXL he had helped police search property in the area.

“The Placerville police came by and I helped them get access to the property behind us and we searched all the trailers and stuff out back there that could be attractive for an 11-year-old boy to hide in,” he said.

Police also went door to door in the area Saturday night to ask residents if they had seen the 11-year-old, according to the Mountain Democrat.

Investigators were later seen on Sunday collecting evidence from Lopez’s house and backyard.

A home along Coloma Street was roped off with yellow crime scene tape after the body was discovered, the local paper reports.

Police have said the investigation into the 11-year-old’s death is continuing and asked anyone with information about the case to call Det. Luke Gadow at (530) 642-5210, ext. 116.