Police say videos, searches and messages showed what happened before a burned woman died.
NORTH MIAMI, Fla. — Cellphone evidence led police to arrest Juan Andres Lopez after his 23-year-old girlfriend was found badly burned at a North Miami home and later died at a trauma center.
Lopez, 41, is charged with sexual battery of a physically helpless victim and several drug offenses. Investigators said the case began Jan. 27, when Miami-Dade Fire Rescue was called to a home in the 400 block of Northwest 125th Street. The woman had burns across most of her body.
According to an arrest warrant, Lopez told first responders the woman had used rubbing alcohol to clean a mess left by a stray cat and was burned after lighting a candle. He said he tried to put out the flames and told her she needed a hospital, but claimed she refused. Police said the burns were caused by still-undetermined means. Detectives later obtained search warrants for the home and Lopez’s phone.
The phone review became central to the case. Police said investigators found videos taken after the woman was burned, including footage of her in a plastic tote inside a shower. In one recording, Lopez spoke about water running while he was not there and said he had poked a hole in the container so she would not drown. Detectives said the videos showed the woman badly injured and unable to care for herself.
Investigators also cited internet searches from Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 about treating burns, pain medication and drug-related issues. Detective Brian Bohne wrote that the searches showed Lopez understood the extent of the woman’s injuries but did not seek the needed medical care. Police said text and app messages showed drug discussions after the burns. Toxicology testing found cocaine, fentanyl, ketamine and methamphetamine in the woman’s blood.
Police said one video, later found after Lopez allegedly tried to delete it, showed him sexually battering the woman while she appeared unresponsive. The warrant said she was not heard speaking and made no movement showing she could communicate consent. Lopez was arrested Friday. Court records cited by local reports show a judge ordered him held without bond.
The woman’s name was not released in the redacted records reviewed by reporters. Authorities have not publicly announced a final ruling on her cause and manner of death. The open questions include how the fire started, when the woman became unable to respond and whether more criminal charges will follow.
Lopez remained at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center as the case continued. Detectives are expected to keep reviewing digital records, medical evidence and witness statements before prosecutors decide the next steps.
Author note: Last updated May 19, 2026.