Milwaukee mom learns about son's death on internet

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A Milwaukee mom is distraught after finding out online her young son is dead in California.

Police are investigating and calling the death suspicious.

The death of 11-year-old Roman Lopez remains a mystery to his family in the Milwaukee area. The young boy was reported missing in California on Saturday, Jan. 11. After an extensive search, he was found dead in Placerville, California. 

Roman's biological mother, Shelly Lopez, hadn’t seen her son in two years. She found out about his death when someone sent her an article through Facebook.

Her sister, Nicole Shipley of Menomonee Falls said they didn't think it was true because Roman was supposed to be in Michigan with his dad, who has custody.

Nicole said Shelly was taking steps to get her son back and wanted to get better for him. A military veteran, she was struggling with PTSD.

She has yet to hear from Roman's father.

"And I told Roman that I would always love him, I would always fight for him and that's the last time I ever even got to talk to him," Shelly said. "He didn't deserve this, and I wish I could've been there, maybe I could've stopped it."

Shelly's family created a GoFundMe page so Roman can be laid to rest in Wisconsin.