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Jury Convicts Michael Lopez of First-Degree Murder in Melvindale Officer’s Killing

Sentencing on May 18 could bring a life term under Michigan law.

Overview

  • The Wayne County jury delivered guilty verdicts Tuesday after about two hours, convicting Lopez on the murder charge and all weapons and drug counts.
  • Prosecutors said Lopez shot Officer Mohamed Said during a foot chase at a Melvindale car wash on July 21, 2024.
  • Lopez testified he acted in self-defense after being Tased and said he mistook the black Taser for a gun.
  • Jurors heard bodycam and forensic testimony, and prosecutors tied the handgun to an AutoZone robbery the night before.
  • The weeklong trial saw repeated outbursts from Lopez, including his removal from the witness stand for defying the judge’s orders.