Grieving the loss

Funeral services have passed, but the siblings of Noel Richard Lopez plan to keep the memory of the slain man strong.

Adelita and Gabriel Lopez said Thursday that they want to start a foundation for research of bipolar disorder - a condition of manic highs and depressive lows that Noel Lopez suffered with for years.

"We chose to honor his life by raising awareness about mental illness," Adelita Lopez, Noel's sister, said. "Join us as we work to increase access to better treatment and research."

Gabriel Lopez, Noel's brother, said he saw the danger of his brother's mental state and erratic behavior just months before his death - a distorted reality that he has personally experienced in his own life as well.

"Before I was diagnosed (with bipolar disorder), it was really tough - I had really intense thoughts and moods that I couldn't explain," Gabriel Lopez said.

The siblings, speaking with members of the media Thursday, said Noel Lopez had been admitted to a hospital in Big Spring, but he was later released and couldn't get further treatment without declaring an intention to commit suicide - something he wouldn't do.

Gabriel Lopez said his brother should be remembered for his humorous personality, peacemaker attitude and brilliant abilities, and hopes his death will lead others to get help for bipolar disorder.

"It's often something that people who suffer with it are ashamed of, but they need to talk about it," he said.

In addition to honoring the poet, painter, actor, athlete, musician and student who was their brother, the two siblings also wanted to clear up details about his death.

Workers in Seattle found Lopez's body at a construction site on April 14, but Gabriel and Adelita Lopez said Noel wasn't killed in front of a large crowd over a span of several hours, like previously reported.

Marcus D. Dennis, 20, and Steven D. Bauder, 22, have been charged in Noel Lopez's beating death. Gabriel and Adelita Lopez said a crowd had gathered to watch Noel Lopez wrestle Bauder in the street.

The fatal beating happened later, away from the crowd gathered to watch the two wrestle.

The victim's family said they would not ask that the death penalty be sought for the men.

Noel Lopez was a 2001 graduate of Odessa High and heavily involved in the community before moving away.

Adelita Lopez said rosary and funeral services on Sunday and Monday were packed with family and friends who had been touched by her brother's life.

"The outpouring from the Odessa-Midland community has been nothing short of miraculous," she said. "We thank all of you deeply - you have been a true comfort."