Local Men Charged in Connection with Stoneham Murder

| November 28, 2015 | Police News | No Comments

– Allison Goldsberry

A Medford man and a Medford police officer have both been indicted on charges in connection with a 2013 shooting in Stoneham that killed one man and injured another, according to information released by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan. A Malden man, Eugene Tate, 21, was found guilty on murder, assault, and robbery charges.

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 Jessie Williams, 26, of Medford 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 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.

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. Judge Kathe Tuttman will sentence Tate on November 30.

Williams is charged with murder, armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, assault in a dwelling and illegal possession of a firearm. His trial is scheduled to begin in January of 2016.