MELVINDALE (WWJ) -- Michael Lopez, the man convicted of murdering Melvindale Police Officer Mohamed Said, will spend the rest of his life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Bridget Hathaway handed down the sentence after an emotional hearing on Friday.
In the courtroom, several of Said's loved ones delivered victim impact statements, including his brother, Ahmed Said.
"He was the best police officer ever, and he helps people that need his help," Ahmed Said said. "He was so kind, and always smiled at people. To this court, I ask for justice for my brother. I will never, ever forget him in my life, and I will always be like Mo. He will never be forgotten."
Much like the trial, it was a contentious hearing.
Ahmed Said was kicked out of court while reading his statement, after swearing at Lopez.
Lopez was then removed for a short time after verbally attacking Assistant Prosecutors Rana Hadied, and claiming he was innocent.
Michael Lopez booking photo
Melvindale PD
"He's been nothing but disrespectful," Hadied told the judge. "Every time he tries to say he's remorseful, he ruins it with this antics and his lies. Trying to disparage a person's character when they're dead and can't defend themselves because of what he did? I have nothing to say to this man. He is nothing but a coward and a liar."
Officer Said was only 26 years old on July 21, 2024, when he was shot and killed by Lopez during a confrontation.
When Officer Said spotted Lopez at a car wash near Oakwood and Dix roads, bodycam footage played played in court showed him chase Lopez over a fence and into some brush where the officer tased Lopez. There was a struggle, the two wrestled to the ground, and Lopez shot Said in the head.
After a days-long manhunt, police found and arrested Lopez in Southwest Detroit.
A jury found him guilty last month of first degree murder and 11 more felony counts related to the shooting.
