(WXYZ) — The murder trial is set to begin today for a man accused of killing Melvindale police officer Mohamed Said almost two years ago.
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Officer Said was shot and killed in July of 2024 while responding to a call about a suspicious person.
The 26-year-old had only been with the department for 14 months at the time of his death.
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Accused gunman, Michael Lopez, is charged with murder, being a felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, and drug possession.
Officer Said's family is pushing for the maximum punishment.
Watch the extended interview with Officer Said's relative below:
Abdul Yahia, one of Said's relatives, spoke with 7 News Detroit today.
"You always ask why, but I think through faith you get through all those questions that, you know, continue to linger in your mind, so it's just we wish he was here. I mean, that was his fate, we accept that ... and we just continue to kind of be inspired by the person that he was, and I think he is inspiring people as more and more of our students want to be police officers, so his legacy definitely lives on," said Abdul Yahia.
7 News Detroit will be in the courtroom today when the trial starts to bring you the latest developments.
