Relatives mourn woman run over in her own yard

A Ventura teen driver accused of running over and killing his neighbor while intoxicated did not enter a plea.

Erik Lopez’ arraignment was postponed for a couple weeks.

Witnesses say Lopez was arguing with the 19-year-old mother of his baby when he got in a car and hit the gas in reverse.

The car backed into a neighbors driveway on Halifax Court, hit a mini-van, and then backed over and killed a 65-year-old neighbor.

Flowers now mark the spot where Verdena Owens died pinned beneath the wreckage.

Owens’ sister said she was not gardening as some people had suggested last Wednesday, Mari Failing of Montecito, believes her sister heard the young couple with the baby arguing and went outside to help and call 911.

Owens leaves behind two grown children, grandchildren, and five adopted children.

Her husband and family plan to make sure the children are taken care of the way Owen’s would have wanted them to be.

Lopez is accused of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, assault with a deadly weapon, spousal abuse and child endangerment.

Owens son, Dean, said his heart goes out to the Lopez family. He said his mother and Mrs. Lopez, who is suffering from cancer, were very close.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up for the tutor center at Mercy Ministries in El Rio, Post Office Box: 7483, Ventura, CA 93006

A funeral service will be held at 1p.m. ,Thursday at Vineyard Church in Ventura, 1956 Palma Drive

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