A long-running homicide case in southwest Santa Rosa is heading for a fall finish in court, after a local man admitted to voluntary manslaughter in the 2025 killing of a Santa Rosa woman described by relatives as a devoted mother of young children.
Domingo Miguel-Lopez entered a plea to voluntary manslaughter last Friday and is set to be sentenced Sept. 17 by Judge Robert LaForge, according to The Press Democrat. The outlet reports the agreement could result in a state prison sentence of up to 21 years.
Emergency crews found 30-year-old Marisol Chavez Figueroa unresponsive on a sidewalk along Whitewood Drive, just north of Hearn Avenue, on Jan. 27, 2025, according to coverage from SFGATE. Investigators said she had at least one gunshot wound to the torso and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Sonoma County coroner later confirmed her identity.
How Detectives Closed In On Their Suspect
Investigators quickly focused on a white Toyota Tacoma seen in the area and later found the truck parked on East Robles Avenue, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. From there, detectives traced the vehicle to a motel room in the 3100 block of Santa Rosa Avenue. Authorities say a SWAT team served warrants in the room, Miguel-Lopez surrendered without incident, and officers recovered a firearm.
What The Plea Deal Means Now
Miguel-Lopez was initially booked on suspicion of murder and of being a felon in possession of a firearm, but court records show he ultimately pleaded to voluntary manslaughter under a negotiated agreement. Family members told The Press Democrat that Chavez Figueroa had been in a relationship with Miguel-Lopez and was the mother of two girls. Relatives say they are pushing for answers as the case moves toward sentencing in September.
Police Still Seeking Tips
Detectives say they are still interested in speaking with anyone who might know more about what led up to the shooting, and the motive remains under investigation, according to reporting by SFGATE. Police are asking anyone with information to call the Santa Rosa Police Department tip line at (707) 543-3590.
