Clarisa Figueroa, known as the “womb raider,” was sentenced to 50 years in prison for the murder of 19-year-old Marlen Ochoa-Lopez. Figueroa pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and agreed to the sentence in response to the heartbreaking statements made by the Ochoa-Lopez family. The victim’s mother expressed that the loss of her daughter is something she will never overcome, while the victim’s husband lamented that his son will never be able to embrace his mother again.
Figueroa, along with her daughter Desiree Figueroa, coerced Ochoa-Lopez to come to their home under the pretense of free baby clothes. On April 1, 2019, the pregnant teen visited the Figueroa family home and left unharmed. However, on April 23, the Figueroa pair executed their sinister plan. Desiree showed Ochoa-Lopez a photo album of her deceased brother while Clarisa strangled the pregnant teen to death with a cable, then proceeded to cut the baby from her womb. They then disposed of the victim’s body in a garbage can, presenting the baby as Clarisa’s own to emergency services.
The investigation into Ochoa-Lopez’s disappearance began when her husband reported her missing shortly after visiting the Figueroas’ home. Police found her body in a trash container near the Figueroas’ residence, leading to the unraveling of the Figueroas’ deceitful actions. It was revealed that Clarisa had falsely claimed to be pregnant following her son’s death and had been in contact with Ochoa-Lopez through a pregnancy-related Facebook page. Desiree received a 30-year sentence for her role in the murder after agreeing to testify against her mother as part of a plea deal.
The loss of Ochoa-Lopez deeply affected her family, leading to emotional statements made in court during Clarisa Figueroa’s sentencing. The father of Ochoa-Lopez’s son and deceased baby expressed the lasting pain of losing his family and the inability of his son to ever hug his mother again. The Figueroas’ disturbing crimes came to light through a thorough police investigation, uncovering the extent of their duplicitous actions and shedding light on Clarisa’s fabricated pregnancy. Despite attempts to conceal their crime, the truth emerged, leading to the convictions and sentencing of the murderous women and Bobak, who helped clean up the crime scene.
The case of the “womb raider” showcases the devastating impact of violent crime on families and communities, highlighting the need for justice and accountability in the face of heinous acts. Through the courage of Ochoa-Lopez’s family in confronting the perpetrators and the dedication of law enforcement in bringing them to justice, a semblance of closure was achieved. The sentencing of Clarisa Figueroa and her accomplices serves as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring that those who commit such egregious crimes are held accountable for their actions. The tragedy of Marlen Ochoa-Lopez’s death brought to light the darkness that can lurk within individuals, underscoring the need for vigilance and protection of vulnerable members of society.
