Fresno man who killed co-worker with pipe asks for forgiveness. Victim’s family isn’t ready
A Fresno man was sentenced to 16-years-to-life in prison on Tuesday for killing his female co-worker with a metal pipe.
Aaron Isidro Lopez, 31, pleaded no contest to second-degree murder in the death of 32-year-old Outi Hicks. Investigators said Hicks and Lopez got into an argument while working together at a biomass power plant south of Fresno on Valentine’s Day 2017.
Lopez then took a pipe and struck Hicks, a mother of three, in the head, killing her, investigators said.
During his sentencing, Lopez said he was deeply remorseful and took full responsibility for his actions.
“Maybe it is too early to ask, but I hope that one day you will find it in your heart to forgive me,” Lopez said to Hicks’ family and friends.
His defense attorney Gerald Schwab said Lopez has struggled with mental illness for years, including schizophrenia, but has since been treated.
Hicks’ aunt Desiree Johnson said she wasn’t ready to forgive.
“I don’t know if we will ever find it in our hearts to forgive you,” Johnson said. “I know that is part of moving on but I have no words for you, other than to tell you about the pain you have caused.”
Johnson stood at the podium with two of Hicks’ three sons standing silently behind her. Family said Hicks had served a stint in prison but was getting her life back together, including reconnecting with her sons.
One of her sons wrote a letter to the judge about how he never really knew his mom. She was sent to prison when he was an infant and they reunited when he was 11. He remembers the day she was released and how she went straight to the ballpark to watch him play baseball.
“I was so excited to see my mom for the first time,” her son wrote.
Johnson said her niece wasn’t just an inspiration to her sons, but to other women who overcame obstacles.
While in prison, Hicks learned carpentry skills. She was instrumental in helping other inmates develop job skills. On the day she was murdered, she was working as a carpenter apprentice.
On the day Hicks was murdered, Johnson and Hicks’ sons were planning something special for Valentine’s Day.
“We were waiting for her to get off of work so we could go pick her up,” Johnson said. “We had balloons, candy and flowers for her, to surprise her and take her to dinner. To give her something she never had.”
