February 19, 2025 - Kannapolis, NC
Age 45

Maria Julian-Pichardo, 45 and her daughter Yamilaine Sosa-Julian, just 19, were killed by her estranged husband, Rafael Lopez in the parking lot of a Department of Social Services office, where they were trying to get help.

Just two weeks before, deputies were called to the couples home where documents show that Rafael attempted to smother Maria, he held a gun to her head and threatened to kill her and Yamilaine, all of which Yamilaine could hear.

Rafael was charged with a domestic violence misdemeanor, and was served a protective order on February 14. Days later he violently took the lives of Maria and Yamilaine.

Maria was known as a super-mom and leaves behind a six-year-old son.

News Coverage

• Mother, daughter killed in domestic situation outside social services building, Kannapolis police say

• Court records reveal Cabarrus County mother’s fear before husband killed her, daughter

• Man accused of killing wife, teen daughter outside Kannapolis DSS center in murder-suicide