Man guilty of murder in the 2018 deaths of Mass. officer, bystander
Man Guilty of Murder in the 2018 Deaths of Mass. Officer, Bystander
In a highly anticipated verdict, Emanuel Lopes was found guilty of multiple charges, including murder, in the July 2018 deaths of Weymouth police Sgt. Michael Chesna and bystander Vera Adams. The verdict came after a second trial, as the first one ended in a mistrial last year when the jury couldn’t reach a unanimous decision.
The courtroom erupted in cheers and applause as the guilty verdict was read, bringing a sense of closure to the victims’ families and the community. Earlier this week, the jury had sent notes to Judge Beverly Cannone indicating they were struggling to reach a decision. However, the judge ordered them to continue deliberations, ultimately leading to the guilty verdict.
Sgt. Michael Chesna, a 42-year-old military veteran and married father of two, was killed while investigating a minor car crash from which Lopes was fleeing. Prosecutor Greg Connor described Lopes as a calculating killer, urging the jury to find him guilty on all 11 charges. The prosecution argued that Lopes threw a large rock at Chesna’s head, knocking him unconscious, and then proceeded to shoot him multiple times with the officer’s own service weapon.
As Lopes fled the scene, he also shot and killed Vera Adams, a 77-year-old widow who was on her porch at the time. When Lopes was finally captured, Chesna’s service weapon was found to be out of ammunition, indicating the extent of the violence that had occurred.
The defense, on the other hand, argued that Lopes lacked criminal responsibility due to his long history of mental illness. They claimed that he was in “a state of oblivion” on the day of the killings and should not be held fully accountable for his actions.
The guilty verdict brings a measure of justice for the victims’ families and the Weymouth community, who have been deeply affected by this tragedy. Sgt. Chesna was remembered as a dedicated officer, a loving husband, and a devoted father. Vera Adams, an innocent bystander, was a beloved member of her community, and her loss was felt deeply by those who knew her.
The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and the devastating impact that such senseless acts of violence can have on families and communities. It also raises questions about the role of mental illness in criminal behavior and the need for better support and treatment for those struggling with mental health issues.
As the community moves forward from this tragedy, it is important to honor the memory of Sgt. Chesna and Vera Adams and to support their families in any way possible. The guilty verdict serves as a reminder that justice can be served, even in the face of such senseless violence, and that the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers in the line of duty will never be forgotten.
FAQs
What was the outcome of Emanuel Lopes’ first trial?
Emanuel Lopes’ first trial ended in a mistrial when the jury couldn’t reach a unanimous verdict.
Who were the victims in this case?
The victims were Weymouth police Sgt. Michael Chesna, a 42-year-old military veteran and married father of two, and Vera Adams, a 77-year-old widow who was an innocent bystander.
What was the prosecution’s main argument?
The prosecution argued that Emanuel Lopes was a calculating killer and urged the jury to find him guilty on all 11 charges.
What was the defense’s main argument?
The defense argued that Lopes lacked criminal responsibility due to his long history of mental illness and claimed he was in “a state of oblivion” during the killings.
What happened during the incident that led to the killings?
Lopes was fleeing from a minor car crash when Sgt. Chesna began investigating. Lopes threw a large rock at Chesna’s head, knocking him unconscious, and then shot him multiple times with the officer’s service weapon. As Lopes fled, he also shot and killed Vera Adams, who was on her porch.
