For Immediate Release
Contact: Julia Keane 508-368-7226 or 774-530-1207
WORCESTER — Today, a Worcester man was sentenced to life in prison for the killing of a man in the early morning of July 5, 2020, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early, Jr.
On August 8, 2025, Leroy L. Thompson, Jr., 30, was found guilty of second-degree murder and reckless endangerment of a child by a Worcester County Superior Court jury.
Mr. Thompson was sentenced to serve life in prison with the possibility of parole after 20 years on the second-degree murder conviction, and 2.5 years in the House of Correction on the reckless endangerment conviction, to run concurrently.
On July 6, 2020, Joshua Lopez, 24, of Worcester, died after being shot the day before while sitting in the backseat of a vehicle in the area of Almont Avenue in Worcester. A minor child was also in the car at the time of the shooting.
“I hope today’s sentencing brings some measure of justice to the family and loved ones of Mr. Lopez,” Mr. Early said. “I appreciate the hard work of the Worcester Police Department, Assistant District Attorneys Timothy Westerman and George Somi, and Victim Witness Advocate Margaret Rwaramba on this case.”
Worcester Police Chief Paul Saucier said, “I would like to reiterate my appreciation regarding the dedication of the men and women of the Worcester Police Department, as well as the prosecution team of District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.’s office, who tirelessly saw this case through to a guilty verdict. This agency was hopeful for a serious sentence that truly reflected the unnecessary, heinous, and cruel nature of such a violent crime. The details of this case stand alone, and we anticipate they will weigh heavily when the opportunity for parole is examined.”