Medford Man, Cop Indicted on Charges in Connection with Stoneham Murder

– Allison Goldsberry

A Medford man and a Medford police officer have both been indicted on charges in connection with a July shooting in Stoneham that killed one man and injured another, according to information released by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

Jessie Williams, 24, of Medford, and Eugene Tate, 19, of Malden, were indicted by a Middlesex Grand Jury on charges of murder, armed assault with intent to murder, armed assault in a dwelling, assault with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, and illegal possession of a firearm.

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.

“These are very serious allegations that a law enforcement official acted to conceal evidence and hinder a police investigation into a double shooting that left one man dead,” District Attorney Ryan said. “This alleged conduct compromises the integrity of our criminal justice system and we will fully prosecute any one who attempts to interfere with an investigation.”

The double shooting happened just after midnight on Wednesday, July 3. According to authorities, a 28-year-old victim had arranged to sell drugs to Williams and Tate. 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.

Lopez, Williams, and Tate will soon be arraigned on the charges in Middlesex Superior Court in Woburn.