Vera Adams, 77, a lifelong resident of Weymouth, Massachusetts, was shot and killed on July 15, 2018 while sitting in her sunroom on Torrey Street. She was described as a kind, private woman who lived alone after her husband Donald died in 1993, worked for New England Telephone and later Sullivan Insurance in Quincy, and enjoyed reading, dining with friends and trips to Cape Cod. Neighbors remembered her warm demeanor and generous spirit; a memorial of flowers, balloons and candles grew outside her home after her death.

Authorities say Emanuel Lopes, who was fleeing police that morning, fired through Vera’s sliding glass door and struck her after allegedly seeing her in the window. The attack occurred in the same incident in which Weymouth Police Officer Michael Chesna was killed. Lopes was apprehended shortly afterward and later indicted on multiple charges, including two counts of murder. A memorial fund was established in Vera’s name to benefit the Weymouth Public Libraries and honor her love of reading.

Did anyone in Weymouth have contact with Vera in the days before July 15, 2018, or information about that morning?