WEYMOUTH — While there was no formal ceremony or gathering Wednesday, residents, officials and community groups took to social media to observes the three-year anniversary of the fatal shootings of Weymouth police Sgt. Michael Chesna and resident Vera Adams.
Before adjourning Wednesday, the state Senate took time to remember Chesna, a 42-year-old married father of two young children and a U.S. Army veteran.
"His death leaves a dark gap in the town of Weymouth at the shock and devastation of the entire community," state Sen. Patrick O'Connor, a Weymouth Republican, said before a moment of silence. "He was an American hero, a true son of Massachusetts and a proud native of Weymouth who gave his life in service of his hometown. "
In the weeks and months following the deaths on July, 15, 2018, residents and businesses held dozens of events large and small to raise money in honor of Chesna and Adams, a 77-year-old widow and lifelong Weymouth resident.
Chesna and Adams had never met, but were shot and killed within minutes of each other, allegedly by a man who had just crashed a car and was on the run from police.
Since the tragedy, the community has continued to keep the memories of Chesna and Adams alive through scholarship funds, blood drives and other fundraisers. Last month an anonymous donor provided free blue LED lightbulbs for residents to display outside their homes ahead of the anniversary.
A Norfolk County grand jury indicted Emanuel Lopes, 25, of Weymouth, in September 2018 on two counts of murder in connection with the deaths of Chesna and Adams.
Lopes is being held without bail and a trial date has not been scheduled.
Original Source: https://www.patriotledger.com/story/news/2021/07/15/chesna-adams-remembered-honored-3-year-anniversary-shooting-deaths/7978536002/