California man decapitates family member, flees with victim’s head

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A 24-year-old California man, distinguished by a “420” head tattoo, has been apprehended in San Francisco after allegedly decapitating a female relative and absconding with her head, as reported by local authorities. Luis Aroyo-Lopez was arrested at the Transbay Terminal around 7:30 a.m. on Saturday following the recognition of his description by San Francisco Police officers, who were in pursuit of a murder suspect wanted in Santa Rosa.

The arrest follows a frantic search for Aroyo-Lopez, initiated after Santa Rosa Police uncovered the decapitated body of a woman within a residence on Pomo Trail in the 2500 block, at approximately 3:40 p.m. on Thursday. The woman’s head was notably missing from the scene, prompting the belief that Aroyo-Lopez had taken it with him when he fled.

The identity of the victim remains undisclosed, but authorities have confirmed she was a relative of Aroyo-Lopez, though the specific nature of their relationship remains unclear. It is yet to be confirmed whether the victim’s head has been recovered following the suspect’s arrest.

In an effort to locate Aroyo-Lopez, law enforcement officials had previously issued a photograph of the suspect, highlighting his distinctive “420” tattoo and a marijuana leaf on the left side of his head. Aroyo-Lopez had recently been released from state prison and placed on Postrelease Community Supervision, having been incarcerated for prior charges related to assault with a deadly weapon and weapons possession in an unrelated incident.

Further details regarding his arrest are expected to emerge as the investigation unfolds.