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Neighbor conflict leads to Austin woman's murder trial

Nora Lopez shot her neighbor three times after he harassed her and stole her bounce house, according to prosecutors. The neighbor denied stealing the bounce house.

Published June 26, 2024 at 4:40pm by Skye Seipp


Austin Woman on Trial for Murder Over Stolen Bounce House

The trial of Nora Lopez, 33, commenced on Wednesday, who is accused of murdering 52-year-old James Traylor in a dispute over a rented bounce house.

URL: http://www.example.com/news/local/austin-woman-trial-killing-man-halloween-bounce-house

Woman Kills Man Over Spider-Man Bounce House

Lopez is accused of shooting Traylor three times, once in the head and twice in the back, because she believed he stole a Spider-Man bounce house she rented for neighborhood children on Halloween 2021. Prosecutors say the bounce house was picked up by the same people who dropped it off, and Traylor denied stealing it.

URL: http://www.example2.com/crime/austin-woman-kills-man-over-spider-man-bounce-house

Defense Claims Harassment and Mental Health Issues

Defense lawyers counter that Traylor harassed Lopez, and friend Arlan Byrd said she was growing “so desperate” to leave the neighborhood. On the day of the shooting, Lopez called 911 at 8:05 a.m. to report the bounce house stolen, threatened to reject police help, and shot Traylor within five minutes of the call.

URL: http://www.example3.com/legal/defense-strategy-nora-lopez-trial

Defense lawyer Laurie Drymalla highlighted Lopez’s fear of Traylor, his previous threats, and mental health issues from a traumatic childhood. The defense also noted potential issues with the investigation, urging jurors to keep an open mind.

Lopez faces murder charges and up to life in prison if convicted. The trial is expected to conclude next week.

Update: Jury Reaches Verdict

URL: http://www.example4.com/breaking-news/jury-reaches-verdict-norah-lopez-trial

Read more: A bounce house, ongoing conflict with neighbor at center of Austin woman's murder trial