Life Sentence for Emanuel Lopes in 2018 Killing of Weymouth Police Sergeant and Bystander
Introduction:
A judge has sentenced Emanuel Lopes to life in prison for the murder of Weymouth police sergeant Michael Chesna and a bystander in 2018. The sentencing comes six years after the murders and one year after Lopes’ first trial ended in a mistrial.
The Impact on the Victims’ Families:
During the sentencing, victim impact statements were delivered, revealing the deep pain and loss experienced by the families. Mimi Chesna, the mother of Sergeant Chesna, expressed her hope for justice after all these years and referred to Lopes as “the monster I warned my kids about.” Maryann Chesna, the mother of Sergeant Chesna, described her son’s unyielding commitment to serving his community and the devastating impact his murder has had on her life. Cindy Chesna, Sergeant Chesna’s widow, spoke about the struggles her family has faced since his death and the burden her children have had to carry.
The Brutal Murders:
Prosecutors detailed the events leading up to the murders, stating that Lopes threw a rock at Chesna’s head, grabbed his gun, and shot him eight times. Lopes then fled the scene and shot bystander Vera Adams while she stood in her sunroom. The brutal nature of the killings was emphasized by officers who responded to the scene and witnessed Lopes standing over Chesna’s bloodied body.
The Trial and Sentencing:
Lopes’ first trial ended in a mistrial, with one juror holding out and believing that Lopes was not legally responsible for the murders due to a psychotic episode. However, the second trial resulted in a guilty verdict, bringing relief to the loved ones of Chesna and Adams. The prosecution requested consecutive life sentences without parole until Lopes is 75 years old, while the defense argued for a lesser sentence considering Lopes’ age at the time of the crime and his mental state. Ultimately, Lopes was sentenced to life in prison with the chance for parole after 30 years for Chesna’s murder and life in prison with the opportunity for parole after 10 years for Adams’ murder. These sentences will run consecutively, making Lopes eligible for parole at the age of 60, five years earlier than requested by the prosecution.
Apology and Moving Forward:
Before the sentence was announced, Lopes spoke and apologized to the Chesna and Adams families, expressing remorse for the tragic events. Following his sentencing, Lopes will be transferred from the Norfolk County House of Corrections to a maximum-security prison in Shirley, Massachusetts.
Conclusion:
The sentencing of Emanuel Lopes to life in prison brings a sense of justice to the families of Sergeant Chesna and Vera Adams, who have endured years of pain and grief. While the wounds caused by these brutal murders will never fully heal, the hope is that the verdict will provide some closure and allow the families to begin the process of moving forward.
