Weymouth shooting: Community shows outpouring of support

WEYMOUTH, Mass. — A community is mourning after a Weymouth Police officer and a bystander were killed in a shooting Sunday.

A vigil at Weymouth High School is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday.

Officer Michael Chesna was fatally shot while on duty after a suspect allegedly threw a large stone at Chesna's head, knocking a gun out of the officer's hand around 7:30 Sunday morning.

The suspect, identified as Emanuel Lopes, then shot and killed Chesna with his own weapon.

>>MORE: Weymouth shooting: Police officer fatally shot, civilian also killed

Officers poured into the area, and a foot chase began through the neighborhood. While that happened, police say Lopes fired Chesna's gun three more times, killing a woman inside her home.

On Torrey Street, near Burton Terrace, Monday morning, a small memorial for sits in the front yard in honor of the woman. Investigators have not publicly identified her.

But neighbors who knew the woman say they are shocked by what they heard and how their grief expanded once they learned that their neighbor, along with Chesna, had been killed in the incident.

“She loved that little sunroom, loved it…", said Sue Nichols, "It was Sunday morning, she was minding her business, probably drinking coffee, I’ve known her for 30 years and this is not the way I thought she’d be going."

Another neighbor, Matt Gallagher, said "it could have been any one of us… especially when you heard commotion out the window, your natural reaction is to go and look."

Weymouth Police Chief Richard Grimes said his heart goes out to Chesna's family, as the officer leaves behind two young children and a wife.

"He was just a great family man," Grimes said. "He was a great officer. I would see him in the morning coming from the street, and he would always have a kind word and a good attitude."

A procession was held Sunday afternoon after the shooting, with officers saluting Chesna as his body left the South Shore Hospital.

Grimes says Chesna was also an Army veteran, and the day after the shooting would have been his six-year anniversary with the Weymouth Police Department.

"He was one of those people that truly sought this job," Grimes said. "Fortunate enough to get it, and very much appreciated it. We very much appreciate his service to the Weymouth Police Department."

The department was draped with a black bunting, a sign signaling the department was mourning the loss of one of their own.

After the shooting, people in the area paid their respects at the Weymouth Police Department, many who never even knew Chesna.

"This officer protected me," Gwenn Kelley said. "He didn't know me, but he protected me anyway, so I felt I should show some appreciation."

The community said they needed to support Chesna and his fellow officers, after Chesna died trying to protect his community.

"If I had more money, I would have bought more flowers," Tom Jenner said. "It's just sad, sad. Heartbroken for his two kids."

As the department mourns the loss, citizens are doing anything they can to show support.

"I just brought some water and Gatorade down, anything to try to help them," Braintree native Luke Botsolis said.

From food, water and dozens of flowers, people from all over the area went to pay their respects, including Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

"It's terrible," Kraft said.

Denise Morency Gannon, the mother of fallen Sergeant Sean Gannon, who was fatally shot in April, sent her condolences for the family of the victim in a statement on Sunday.

The full statement read:

"Our hearts are broken once again for what can never be justified - the senseless violence that continues to occur because legislators and the court system fail to adequately support Law Enforcement and the innocent public by allowing dangerous criminals to remain in society.

Further, gun control must become a  national priorty or these murders will continue to occur. The American public needs to use their collective voice and speak up and take action with elected officials to insist on a safer society for all.

Our family well knows the lifelong impact that Officer Chesna's family, friends and LEO colleagues will face in the days, months and years ahead. Our hearts bleed for them and with them. The responsibility of the public must go beyond thoughts and prayers, although both are deeply appreciated.

Intentional action on the part of the people toward changes in the law must also catapult  a renewal of moral integrity not only within the justice system but also coupled with people living daily the basic virtues of being wholly human as a way of life."

Now, the community is just trying to give back, in honor of one officer who gave his all.

"It's all just trying to help," Botsolis said. "They help our community, so now it's time for us to help them."

Cox Media Group