(WWJ) Two days in a row, a Southfield man on trial for allegedly killing a Melvindale police officer interrupted proceedings by shouting in court. Michael Lopez, 44, is on trial for the summer, 2024, murder of Corporal Mohamed Said.
During Friday's testimony, Lopez got out of his seat, and told the judge and jury that his attorney is not fit to represent him.
During the outburst, Lopez talked about his family allegedly filing a complaint against Said, and accused his lawyer of failing to submit evidence.
"Unclear the full context of the claims there from Lopez, referencing some sort of assault that has not been discussed in the courtroom so far in this trial," reported WWJ's Luke Sloan, who was in the courtroom when the outburst happened. "But he also mentioned his attorney was not willing to fight for him, I believe was what he was trying to say."
Lopez made similar comments while leaving the courtroom on Thursday, telling the jury his defense attorney doesn't care about him, adding: "He ain't my lawyer no more. Change my lawyer; give me a chance."
By law, Lopez cannot replace his court-appointed lawyer by shouting the request while in court.
He would need to show the judge cause, such as a major conflict of interest, or documented ethical violations.
Testimony continued on Friday without Lopez in the courtroom.
Said was shot to death on July 21, 2024, during a struggle with Lopez, who ran away when the officer spotted him at a car wash near Oakwood and Dix roads.
Bodycam footage played during pretrial proceedings showed that Said chase Lopez over a fence and into some brush where the officer tased Lopez. As the two wrestled to the ground, police said the video shows Lopez shooting Said in the head.
Following the deadly shooting and a days-long manhunt, police found and arrested Lopez in Southwest Detroit. Along with murder of a police officer, a life felony, Lopez is charged with possession of drugs, weapons violations and being a habitual offender.
In a separate case, prosecutors said Lopez robbed a Lincoln Park Auto Zone of money and knives the day before Said was killed.
Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin described Said as "a kind soul who proudly served the residents of Melvindale." He was 26 years old.
