Adult Time for Adult Crime: Eduardo Lopez

Cully Stimson / October 28, 2009

On November 9th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments challenging the constitutionality of juvenile life without parole (JLWOP) sentences. In preparation for oral arguments, JLWOP: Faces & Cases will be an on-going series on The Foundry that will tell real stories about juvenile offenders who are currently serving LWOP sentences.

Defendant: Eduardo Lopez (17)
Victims: Roscoe Powers, Robbie Goyette and Officer Tom MacLeod
Crimes: Two counts, First degree murder & other charges
Crime date: March 23, 1991 in Nashua, New Hampshire

Summary
In just two hours, Eduardo Lopez shot a man who refused to give him money, tried to rob and then shot and killed another man, and assaulted a police officer with a broom handle when the officer attempted to question him.

Facts
At about 9 p.m. on March 23, 1991, Eduardo Lopez approached Roscoe Powers on Main Street in Nashua, New Hampshire. Lopez aimed his gun at Powers and demanded money. Powers turned and ran, and Lopez gave chase. When Powers slipped on ice, Lopez was able to catch up with him. Lopez then shot Powers in the chest, but Powers managed to stand up and run. Lopez resumed his chase.

Powers pulled out a knife and turned to confront Lopez, and this time Lopez fled. Though seriously injured, Powers would survive. (more…)