WAYNE COUNTY, Mich. – The man on trial for allegedly shooting and killing a Melvindale police officer in 2024 made an outburst in court on Thursday just as the trial adjourned for the day.
Michael Lopez, 44, of Southfield, is on trial for allegedly shooting and killing Melvindale Police Officer Mohamed Said on July 21, 2024.
The judge adjourned day three of the trial at around 11 a.m. on April 23, telling the jury to enjoy the rest of the day off, as it was a planned half-day.
Before the jury left the courtroom, Lopez stood up from his seat and spoke to them from across the room.
“On the record before you guys leave -- jury, I’m sorry, but my lawyer is no longer rooting for me, and working for me,” Lopez said. “So, I just want to put it on record that he’s no longer working for me, and they won’t change him for me, and they don’t care about my life, and he doesn’t either. So, I just want to put that on the record, jury. Thank you.”
As he was escorted out of the courtroom, Lopez could be heard saying, “He don’t give a f--- about my life no more,” while pointing at his attorney. “He ain’t my lawyer no more.”
He could also be heard saying, “Change my f------ lawyer. Give me a chance. The f---. Self-defense.”
The trial is expected to continue on April 24.
Background
Lopez first encountered Said at 12:34 p.m. July 21, 2024, at a car wash near the intersection of Oakwood Boulevard and Clarann Street in Melvindale, officials said.
Said, 26, was called to the car wash and Lopez fled on foot, according to authorities.
While Said chased Lopez, Lopez pulled out a handgun and shot Said, police said.
Said died from his injuries.
Lopez is facing the following charges:
- Murder of a police officer -- a felony with a maximum penalty of life in prison.
- Felon in possession of a firearm -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Felon in possession of ammunition -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Carrying a concealed weapon -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Possession of methamphetamine/ecstasy -- a felony with a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
- Possession of under 25 grams of a controlled substance -- a felony with a maximum penalty of four years in prison.
- Carrying a dangerous weapon with unlawful intent -- a felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
- Five felony firearm violations -- each two-year felonies, to be served consecutively.
On May 1, 2025, a judge ruled Lopez was competent to stand trial. Jury selection was held on Monday and Tuesday, April 20-21, 2026.