Following weeks of jury deliberations, a Norfolk Superior Court decide has declared a mistrial within the case of a Weymouth man accused of killing a police officer and bystander almost 5 years in the past.
“Jurors, I’m in receipt of your note. Your services are complete. I’m declaring a mistrial,” Judge Beverly Cannone stated Monday morning, to audible gasps and the obvious sound of crying from the courtroom.
Emanuel Lopes, 25, is accused of capturing Weymouth Police Sgt. Michael Chesna, 42, and bystander Vera Adams, 77, within the early hours of July 15, 2018. The defendant has pleaded not responsible to 11 expenses in Norfolk Superior Court, together with two counts of homicide.
Following the mistrial, Lopes remained held with out bail because the Norfolk DA’s Office continues to pursue a conviction within the double homicide case.
“We appreciate the jurors’ service,” a spokesperson for the Norfolk DA’s Office stated. “The verdict is unfortunate, but we’re ready to retry the case and we’re taking the appropriate steps to do so.”
Jury deliberations started on June 28 after closing arguments and restarted once more when one juror was changed on July 5.
During the trial attorneys and witnesses laid out the day of the crimes in vivid element. During July 14 and 15, witnesses testified, Lopes temper and actions took an abrupt flip from a traditional night time along with his mates to changing into upset over a cellphone name, crashing his girlfriend’s automobile alone and attacking and capturing the officer who discovered him along with his personal gun whereas a neighbor watched.
More officers subdued and arrested Lopes and shortly after discovered the physique of Vera Adams shot on her porch.
Lopes’ protection lawyer made the case his consumer was not responsible by “lack of criminal responsibility,” citing his lengthy historical past of extreme psychological sickness.
Under Massachusetts regulation, a defendant will not be criminally accountable if they’ve a psychological illness or defect and in consequence, are unable to grasp or conform to the regulation and are despatched for remedy till they’re deemed not mentally sick and a risk by a decide.
Lopes shall be tried once more with a brand new jury. The subsequent date within the case is scheduled for July 21.
Rick Sobey contributed to this story.
Source: www.bostonherald.com”