On Monday, 28 year old Reign Tapiato was sentenced to 20 years in prison for the 2023 killing of 16 year old Jakarah Lopez-Moore.
Jakarah was found deceased in the woods behind 5 Vanguard Parkway on October 14, 2023. Her cause of death was determined to be homicide by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office.
On February 23, 2024, Rochester police announced that Regin Tapiato had been arrested for the killing of Jakarah Lopez-Moore.
The complaint states that Tapiato took Jakarah into the woods on August 27 and shot her in the head. He was charged with second degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon.
The Disappearance of Jakarah Lopez-Moore
16 year old Jakarah Lopez-Moore was last seen leaving her home on Weld Street in Rochester, New York on August 25, 2023. She told her grandmother she would be right back, but never returned.
Her family says it’s unusual for her to leave without contacting anyone.
Investigation
Jakarah’s phone was turned off less than 24 hours after she disappeared. According to her family, her phone last pinged at Clinton and Andrews Streets.
Authorities believe she frequently visits the area of Dewey Avenue and Reynolds Street.
Found Deceased
Jakarah Lopez-Moore was found deceased in the woods behind 5 Vanguard Parkway on October 14, 2023.
Her cause of death was determined to be homicide by the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Authorities don’t know how long Lopez-Moore’s body was in the woods, but it was “in a state of decomposition in which a scientific identification was required.” No further details have been released.
Arrest Made in Jakarah’s Murder
On February 23, 2024, Rochester police announced that 27 year old Regin Tapiato had been arrested for the killing of Jakarah Lopez-Moore.
The complaint states that Tapiato took Jakarah into the woods on August 27 and shot her in the head. He has been charged with murder in the second degree and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree.
He was transported to the Monroe County Jail and is expected to be arraigned on February 24, 2024.
On September 6, 2024, Tapiato pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He will be sentenced to 20 years in prison on November 4, 2024, according to to the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.
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