GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — A mother of seven was shot dead in front of her teenage son. A 15-year-old boy lost his life. And it all started over a pickup soccer game.
Rafael Martinez-Lopez, 18, was ordered to stand trial Monday on two counts of open murder. Prosecutors say he opened fire outside Southwest Elementary School on May 5 — killing Jeremiah Cuevas-Griffin, 15, and Savanah Villarreal, 38.
It Started With a Rejected Soccer Game
Martinez-Lopez’s younger brother was turned away from a casual pickup game by local kids.
Instead of walking away, the younger brother ran home — and came back with Rafael.
Martinez-Lopez allegedly confronted the group, demanding to know if they planned to fight his brother.
Villarreal’s son testified that their answer was simple: “We told him we just wanted to play soccer.”
Seconds Later, Shots Rang Out
Witnesses said Martinez-Lopez took a few steps, then pulled a handgun from his waistband and opened fire.
A 14-year-old girl who captured part of the incident on her phone testified she ducked behind a car the moment she saw the weapon.
Jeremiah collapsed first. Villarreal had stepped in to protect the teens — and was shot moments later.
Her son ran home to get his father, not yet realizing his mother had also been hit. He only found out when they returned to the scene.
Family Left Behind, Trial Ahead
Prosecutors played a 19-second cellphone video in court allegedly showing the moment Martinez-Lopez drew the weapon. Family members wept in the gallery throughout the hearing.
After the shooting, Martinez-Lopez’s younger brother testified they went home, locked the doors, and watched movies — while Rafael told him to stay quiet.
A judge found sufficient evidence to send the case to trial. Villarreal leaves behind seven children.
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