LIVE: Opening arguments underway in trial of man accused of killing Weymouth police sergeant, innocent bystander
WEYMOUTH, Mass. — The murder trial of the man accused of killing Weymouth Police Sergeant Michael Chesna and a 77-year-old woman is set to begin Thursday.
The suspect, Emanuel Lopes, allegedly used Chesna’s gun to fatally shoot the two victims five years ago.
The Norfolk District Attorney’s office says the jury pool was selected in Worcester because many people in Norfolk County know and are familiar with the shooting. The trial itself is expected to last about four weeks.
The witness list includes more than four dozen names, including Weymouth police officers, medical personnel and residents, according to The Boston Globe.
It was the early morning of July 15, 2018, and Chesna’s shift was almost over when police searched for Lopes, who left the scene of a car accident. Chesna was the first to face it.
Lopes allegedly threw a large rock at Chesna, hitting him and knocking him to the ground. Lopes then allegedly used Chesna’s gun to fatally shoot him and Vera Adams, who was sitting in her room drinking coffee. Lopes was arrested shortly after.
Lopes faces life in prison without the possibility of parole if convicted of the first-degree murder charges.
Police say they’ve had run-ins with Lopes before. Court records also indicate Lopes has struggled with bipolar disorder, and his mother claimed he was not taking his medication when the alleged killing happened.
He was sent to two different treatment centers in 2017, according to court records.
It’s unclear whether Lopes will enter an insanity defense.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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