Inset: Officer Mohamed Said (Melvindale Police Department). Background: Michael Lopez appears in Wayne County court (WJBK/YouTube).
In a dramatic turn of events during a courtroom appearance in Michigan, a man accused of killing a police officer erupted in anger at his attorney. This outburst led to the judge’s decision to prohibit him from attending his trial in person.
The accused, Michael Lopez, 45, stands charged with the murder of Melvindale Police Corporal Mohamed Said, who was just 26 years old at the time of his death. Lopez faces multiple charges, including the murder of a police officer, illegal possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and drug-related offenses, as noted by Detroit’s NBC affiliate, WDIV.
The tragic incident took place on July 21, 2024, around 11:30 a.m. Corporal Said was on patrol when he observed two individuals, one of whom was Lopez, carrying bags near a car wash. Melvindale Police Chief Robert Kennaley recounted that Said approached the pair to investigate, but Lopez fled the scene.
Said pursued Lopez into a nearby neighborhood, where a confrontation ensued, leading to a physical altercation. It was during this struggle that Lopez is alleged to have fatally shot the officer, according to police accounts.
After the shooting, Lopez reportedly escaped the area on a bicycle. The incident prompted a large-scale search, and a tip eventually led authorities to a residence in southwest Detroit, where Lopez was apprehended.
In a moment captured by cameras, Lopez was seen smiling and winking as he was taken into custody, a detail previously reported by Law&Crime.
On Friday, as he appeared in court, Lopez was warned that he would be removed from the courtroom if he had an outburst like he did the day before, the local outlet reported. He apparently did not heed the warning.
When his attorney did not raise an objection to a video being admitted into evidence, Lopez responded indignantly.
“What else is new, man? What else is new? You ain’t gonna object?” Lopez said. “You’re not gonna help me fight, are you?”
The defendant was escorted out of the room and moved to a cell in the court building where he will listen to his trial, authorities said.
On Thursday, Lopez reportedly said he was firing his attorney, though the judge denied the request.
“I’m telling you that this guy doesn’t care about my life no more,” the defendant said. “He ain’t my lawyer no more.”
