Malden Man Found Guilty Of First Degree Murder

Eugene Tate, 21, of Malden, was convicted of the first degree murder of Joseph Puopolo, 27. according to Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan.

The jury also found the defendant guilty of armed robbery, armed assault in a dwelling and illegal possession of a firearm.

“This case is once again an example of the risks associated with the sale of illegal drugs”, said District Attorney Marian Ryan on Wednesday, in a statemtment. “A young man lost his life and a family is left heartbroken all because of the profitability of illegal drugs.”

The district attorney’s office gave the founding account of the incident: “At 12:19 a.m. on July 3, 2013, Stoneham Police responded to reports of gunshots on Micah’s Pond Way in Stoneham. When officers arrived they found two males suffering from gunshot wounds. One of those men, Joseph Puopolo, had gunshot wounds to the chest and wrist. He was transported to Leahy Clinic where he was pronounced dead. The second victim suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen but survived.

Puopolo had been invited to the Micah’s Pond Way where a drug deal was scheduled to take place. When Tate arrived, he drew a hand gun and demanded drugs and money before shooting the victims. A second defendant, Jessie Williams, 26, of Medford, is alleged to have also participated in this crime.”

“I thank the members of the jury for Monday’s verdict convicting Eugene Tate of first degree murder,” said Stoneham Chief of Police James McIntyre. “On July 3, 2013, Mr. Tate came to Stoneham and committed a crime that has forever changed the lives of two families in our community. I hope that this guilty verdict helps the families in their healing process.”

Jessie Williams is charged with murder, armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, assault in a dwelling and illegal possession of a firearm. These charges are allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Williams’ trial is scheduled to begin in January.

Judge Kathe Tuttman will sentence Tate on Monday, Nov. 30 at 11 a.m. in Middlesex Superior Court.