LOS ANGELES — A 24-year-old man, James Joshua Lopez, has been charged with murder in connection with the fatal stabbing of Amanda Torres, 28, in downtown Los Angeles on January 26, according to an announcement from District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman.

“This tragic and senseless act took the life of a young woman who was dedicated to making her community a better place,” Hochman said. “Amanda Torres was a bright and compassionate leader with limitless potential. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched. She had recently graduated from UCLA and was actively involved as a community organizer. My office is committed to ensuring justice for Amanda and her loved ones.”

Lopez, a Los Angeles resident, faces one count of murder with an additional allegation of using a deadly weapon, a knife. His bail has been set at $2.02 million.

The fatal incident occurred around 12:40 a.m. on January 26 in the 1100 block of S. Los Angeles Street. According to prosecutors, Torres was fatally stabbed after stepping in to protect her brother, who had allegedly been attacked by a group of men at a party.

Lopez is scheduled for arraignment on March 3 at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in Department 30. If convicted, he faces a sentence of up to 26 years to life in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorneys Cristhian Ochoa and Monique Pahuja from the Central Trials-13 Division. The Los Angeles Police Department conducted the investigation.

As with all criminal cases, the charges against Lopez are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.