MELVINDALE, Mich. – A jury on Tuesday found Michael Lopez guilty on all counts in the killing of Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said, bringing an emotional end to a nearly two-year wait for Said’s family.
One of the convictions was for first-degree murder.
At least 10 deputies lined both sides of the courtroom aisle as the verdict was read.
Before the verdict was read, those in the gallery were instructed to control their emotions “regardless of the verdict.”
When the final “guilty” was read aloud, members of Said’s family expressed relief.
“Today we are so glad we heard something to make us happy,” Said’s uncle Dave Said, said outside the courtroom.
“It’s a happy moment. We’ve been waiting so long, it’s been almost two years,” his brother, Ahmed Said, said. “Finally, it came to an end.”
Jurors deliberated for roughly two hours before returning their verdicts against Lopez, who was accused of shooting and killing Officer Said on July 21, 2024.
During the trial, prosecutors said Lopez shot Said after a minor interaction escalated.
Lopez testified that the encounter stemmed from him flicking a cigarette onto the ground, and the officer told him to pick it up.
The situation intensified; at one point, Said used a stun gun on Lopez.
Later, Lopez shot the officer, who died.
Lopez’s attorneys argued he fired in self-defense.
Prosecutors countered that the shooting was not self-defense and that Lopez harbored animosity toward police.
Throughout the trial, Lopez’s behavior drew attention.
At times, he appeared to smirk; at other points, he had outbursts, including shouting that “they don’t care about my life” and claiming his attorney was not fighting for him.
He was escorted from the courtroom, causing delays in the proceedings.
The jury ultimately convicted Lopez on all charges, including first-degree murder, drug offenses, and felony in possession of a firearm.
“Justice has been served,” one man leaving the courtroom said.
Melvindale’s police chief said the department will always remember Officer Said.
Sentencing for Lopez is scheduled for May 18.