Medford Man Convicted of Murdering Veteran

A Medford man was convicted Friday in the 2013 murder of a U.S. Army veteran.

Jessie Williams, 26, was convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of 27-year-old Joseph Puopolo, Middlesex County District Attorney Marian Ryan’s office said in a statement.

Williams was also found guilty of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, armed robbery, armed assault in a dwelling, and possession of a firearm without a license.

Puopolo was killed July 3 when Williams and his associate Eugene Tate aimed to rip off a drug dealer in a Stoneham home. Puopolo was invited to the home by the dealer, who was concerned about the deal.

“Joseph Puopolo was a young man whose life was cut short because the defendant and his associate Eugene Tate turned an illegal drug deal into a violent and ultimately deadly altercation,” said Ryan. “Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of Joseph Puopolo with today’s guilty verdict.”

Williams’ sentencing will be March 10 at Middlesex Superior Court.