A Worcester man has received a life sentence for a murder dating back to 2020, following a verdict by a local jury earlier last month. Leroy L. Thompson Jr., 30, was convicted of second-degree murder and reckless endangerment of a child by a Worcester County Superior Court jury on August 8, for his role in the death of 24-year-old Joshua Lopez, according to the Worcester County District Attorney.
Thompson's life sentence carries the possibility of parole after 20 years for the second-degree murder conviction. A concurrent sentence of 2.5 years in the House of Correction was handed down for the reckless endangerment charge, which involved a minor child present at the time of the shooting. The incident took place July 5, 2020, and resulted in Lopez’s death the following day after he was shot while sitting in the backseat of a vehicle on Almont Avenue, in Worcester.
In a statement obtained by the Worcester DA's office, District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr. expressed hope that, “today’s sentencing brings some measure of justice to the family and loved ones of Mr. Lopez.” He acknowledged the efforts of the Worcester Police Department, Assistant District Attorneys Timothy Westerman, and George Somi, and Victim Witness Advocate Margaret Rwaramba in bringing the case to a close.
Paul Saucier, Worcester's Police Chief, offered his appreciation for the "dedication of the men and women of the Worcester Police Department, as well as the prosecution team of District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.’s office." Saucier noted the importance of the sentence reflecting the "unnecessary, heinous, and cruel nature of such a violent crime," and pointed out that the specifics of this case should be considered when parole is assessed down the line.
