Medford Cop Accused of Lying in Murder Investigation

– Allison Goldsberry

A Medford Police Officer was arraigned on charges in connection with lying to investigators during a homicide investigation on Monday, according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Miguel Lopez, 53, of Stoneham, was arraigned in Middlesex Superior Court on two counts of witness intimidation. He was released on personal recognizance and will be back in court on October 3 for a pre-trial hearing.

Lopez and a Medford man were both indicted in August on charges in connection with a July shooting in Stoneham that killed one man and injured another.

The incident happened just after midnight on Wednesday, July 3. According to authorities, a 28-year-old victim had arranged to sell drugs to Jesses Williams, 24, of Medford, and Eugene Tate, 19, of Malden. The man asked Joseph Puopolo, 27, to accompany him because he was concerned he would be ripped off. Williams and Tate are accused of allegedly entering the victim’s Stoneham home, drawing their guns, and demanding drugs and money before shooting Puopolo and the 28-year-old victim.

Puopolo suffered from gunshot wounds to his chest and wrist. He was later pronounced dead at Lahey Clinic. The other victim was shot in the stomach.

Witnesses and physical evidence led authorities to Williams and Tate, according to information released by DA Ryan’s office. After arrest warrants were issued, Williams was picked up in East Boston and Tate turned himself into Stoneham Police.

As part of that investigation, State Police interviewed Lopez, who lived in Stoneham with the 28-year-old victim. Authorities say Lopez lied to police during the interview and that he allegedly removed evidence from the home to cover up a reported drug deal that is believed to have led to the double shooting.