Timeline Of Events In Death Investigation Of Placerville Boy Roman Lopez

On Thursday, a shocking announcement was made about the death of 11-year-old Placerville boy Roman Lopez. A year after their investigation began, police revealed where Roman's body was discovered and the criminal charges filed against his father and stepmother.

• 2/4/21:
  • Roman's biological father, Jordan Piper, 36, and stepmother

    Jordan (left) and Lindsey (right) Piper. (credit: Placerville Police Department)

    Lindsey Piper, 38, are taken into custody in Calaveras County

  • The Placerville Police Department and El Dorado County District Attorney's Office announces arrests in connection to Roman's death.
• 7/10/20:
  • Six months after Roman's death, police still haven't provided answers as to how he died.
  • Police say they need the pathology report to move forward.
• 2/19/20: Placerville police confirm the FBI is involved in the investigation.
• 2/18/20: Comments on social media run rampant with speculation on who could be responsible.
• 1/14/20:
  • An autopsy, which included a toxicology report, is initiated.
  • Romans' blood is analyzed by the Sacramento County Coroner's Office. They say results usually take 4-6 weeks.
  • Placerville police chief calls it "one of the toughest cases he's ever worked on."
• 1/12/20:
  • Investigators find Roman's body and say the circumstances

    Roman Lopez. (credit: Rochelle Lopez)

    appear to be suspicious.

  • It was later revealed that his body was found in a bin in the basement of the family's Placerville home.
  • Police later say he appeared to be malnourished and dehydrated.
  • A public vigil is held and a memorial for Roman is set up just off Coloma Road in Placerville.
• 1/11/20: Roman is reported missing