Medford Man Found Guilty Of 2013 Murder

– Allison Goldsberry

Jessie Williams, 26, of Medford, was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the 2013 shooting death of 27-year-old Joseph Puopolo, according to Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan. The jury also found Williams guilty of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, armed assault in a dwelling, and possession of a firearm without a license.

Judge Lawrence Pierce will sentence Williams on Thursday, March 10 at 2:00 p.m. in Middlesex Superior Court.

“Joseph Puopolo was a young man whose life was cut short because the defendant and his associate Eugene Tate turned an illegal drug deal into a violent and ultimately deadly altercation,” stated District Attorney Ryan. “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Joseph Puopolo with today’s guilty verdict.”

Stoneham Chief of Police James McIntyre added, “I would like to thank the jury that returned a guilty verdict in this case. Williams and Tate are being held accountable for their violent actions that took the life of Mr. Puopolo. The professionalism of the police officers, detectives and assistant district attorneys in both of these cases allowed the juries to reach their decision.”

The double shooting happened just after midnight on July 3, 2013. According to authorities, a 28-year-old victim had arranged to sell drugs to Williams and Tate. The man asked Puopolo, then 27, to accompany him because he was concerned he would be ripped off. Williams and Tate are accused of 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 and survived.

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.

Medford Police Officer Miguel Lopez, 53, of Stoneham, was indicted on charges in connection with lying to investigators during a homicide investigation. Lopez was indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on two counts of witness intimidation. As part of the 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.

According to DA Ryan’s office, Tate was convicted of the first degree murder of Puopolo on November 23. The jury also found Tate guilty of armed robbery, armed assault in a dwelling and illegal possession of a firearm.