Manuel Vega Lopez, 51, Fatally Shot While Landscaping in Gilbert, Arizona; Wyatt Ford, 28, Indicted for Second-Degree Murder in Apparent Case of Mistaken Identity

The Gilbert, Arizona community is mourning the tragic death of Manuel Vega Lopez, a 51-year-old landscaper who was fatally shot on May 19, 2025, while performing tree-trimming work at a rental property. The alleged shooter, Wyatt Ford, 28, has been indicted for second-degree murder in what authorities describe as a devastating case of mistaken identity.

Incident Overview

According to the Gilbert Police Department, officers were dispatched just after 4:30 p.m. to a reported disturbance near Power and Germann roads. While en route, dispatch received word that gunshots had been fired. Upon arrival, officers found Lopez unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the throat. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Background and Miscommunication

Court documents reveal that Ford and his wife were renting the home and had recently experienced vandalism to their trailer. Believing Lopez was responsible for the prior incident, Ford confronted him as he was trimming trees in the front yard—a task Lopez had been hired to do by the landlord. The landlord had informed the couple via a group chat that a landscaper would be arriving, and Ford had acknowledged the message.

Legal Proceedings

Ford was arrested at the scene and has been charged with second-degree murder. He is currently in custody at the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, with bond set at $1 million. (People.com)

Community Response

Lopez’s family, including his wife who is on dialysis and losing her eyesight, and a son battling cancer, are mourning the loss of a devoted husband and father. A GoFundMe has been established to assist with funeral expenses and to transport Lopez’s body to his native Mexico.

The incident has sparked discussions about the importance of clear communication and the tragic consequences that can arise from misunderstandings.

For more information and updates on this case, please refer to the Gilbert Police Department’s official statements and local news outlets.