Woman's body found in van after DUI crash, San Diego

A woman's body was discovered in her minivan about a month after a drunk driving accident. The driver responsible for the crash, Jordan Lopez, has been sentenced to probation in San Diego. The incident occurred early on November 5, 2023, when Lopez, then 24, crashed into two vehicles on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard. Police arrived and found Lopez at the scene. He was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). The damaged vehicles, including a Honda Odyssey, were towed away with items inside. On December 6, a worker at the tow yard noticed a smell coming from the minivan and called the police. Inside, they found the body of 65-year-old Monica Cameroni de Adams, who had been living in her car for several years. Lopez was sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty to DUI causing injury, with a blood-alcohol level above 0.15%. He received a six-year prison sentence, which is suspended for five years, and must complete a work furlough program. Lopez could face a murder charge if he breaks probation rules. During his court appearance, Lopez apologized to Cameroni de Adams' children, who joined the hearing via video call. The family is preparing to sue the city, claiming that police were negligent for not checking the van after the crash. They argue that officers did not look inside and thus did not help Cameroni de Adams, who had suffered serious but survivable injuries from the collision. Cameroni de Adams' daughter filed a missing persons report on November 14 after trying to contact her mother without success. The medical examiner ruled the cause of death was multiple blunt-force injuries, classifying it as an accident. The family’s claim alleges negligence by the police, suggesting that basic procedures were not followed. The San Diego City Attorney's Office and the police department have chosen not to comment on the situation due to ongoing legal matters.